Morné Steyn believes Lions flyhalf Chris Smith should be regarded as one of the best No 10s in South Africa. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Smith heads into the Vodacom URC playoffs as the competition’s second-highest point-scorer (154) behind Stormers pivot Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (158).
The 31-year-old has been one of the key architects behind the Lions’ run to a first-ever URC quarter-final.
But former Springbok pivot Steyn believes Smith has not received the recognition he deserves nationally.
“It’s sad for me he’s not in the [Springbok] alignment camp,” he said. “For me, he’s probably the best flyhalf in the country at the moment and probably one of the top flyhalves in the URC as well.”
The former Bulls No 10 joined the Lions from French club Oyonnax in June last year.
Steyn says Smith’s calmness and control have transformed the Lions attack.
“He’s made a big difference in our team. He’s one of the senior guys now and he’s taking control. He’s in charge.”
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Besides Smith’s points haul this season, which includes one try, 49 conversions and 17 penalties, it is his all-round game that has impressed.
His tactical kicking often gives his team significant territorial dominance, while he has made a total of 91 carries for 360m gained. He has made five clean breaks and beaten 18 defenders, and laid on the final try-scoring pass five times.
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Head coach Ivan van Rooyen echoed Steyn’s sentiments, saying Smith’s leadership has been central to the Lions’ improvement this season.
“Chris made a big difference for us in steering the team,” said Van Rooyen. “Just calmness and direction and execution of what we want to do.”
The Lions coaching staff have repeatedly highlighted the growth of a young squad this season, but Smith’s experience has provided crucial balance during pressure moments.
Smith now carries the added responsibility of directing the side against a powerful Leinster outfit in Dublin next week.
The Lions will be without experienced duo Morné van den Berg and Ruan Venter, who both underwent surgery on Wednesday.
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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Morné Steyn believes Lions flyhalf Chris Smith should be regarded as one of the best No 10s in South Africa.
The post Morné: Smith deserves Bok call-up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
