Lions flyhalf Chris Smith says he will play his own game when coming up against All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga at Ellis Park on Tuesday night.
The tourists are targeting a clean sweep of South Africa’s URC clubs, having beaten the Stormers (38-21), Sharks (54-0) and Vodacom Bulls (50-19).
Like those teams, the Lions are still in pre-season, but they have had more preparation time and will field an almost full-strength side against the All Blacks.
Smith is embracing the opportunity to test himself against the world’s No 1-ranked team.
“Obviously, it’s massive,” he told reporters. “For me, being on the slightly older side [31], it’s probably a once-in-a-career opportunity.
“So, ja, really looking forward to it, going up against Richie Mo’unga, who’s an All Blacks legend.”
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Mo’unga will make his first appearance of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour after being called up to the All Blacks squad as an injury replacement. But Smith has no intention of trying to match the 56-Test flyhalf’s renowned attacking flair.
“It obviously doesn’t help if I go and try to play a Richie Mo’unga game. It’s never been my game,” he said. “So obviously I’ll stick to what I do best and serve my team as best I can.
“He can do all the magic. I’ll enjoy watching him while I do all of my good things.”
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While the Lions are standing between the All Blacks and a clean sweep of SA’s URC clubs, Smith insists “there’s no pressure on us at all” to win.
“Call it a free hit-out to play against one of the best teams in the world, which they have been for a very long time,” he added.
“We’ve obviously prepped really well, but I think if we can get a good result, then it’ll just sort of confirm what we’re doing as a Lions group – that we’re moving in the right direction.”
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Photos: @lionsrugbyco/@allblacks/Instagram
The post Smith: Mo’unga can do all the magic appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lions flyhalf Chris Smith says he will play his own game when coming up against All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga at Ellis Park on Tuesday night.
The post Smith: Mo’unga can do all the magic appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
