Veteran flyhalf Chris Smith proves his class with dominant debut for Lions

Chris Smith proved that he may be the cool head the Lions need in their backline after a measured display on debut in the cauldron of the Jukskei Derby against the Bulls on Saturday.

The former Bulls backline general, who recently returned to South Africa after a two-season stint with French club Oyonnax, delivered a solid, composed performance against his old team in the 44-5 Currie Cup victory at Ellis Park.

Smith’s kicking out of hand and off the tee was near-flawless, and he drove the Lions attack forward with cleverly executed kicks into space, relieving pressure on the home side while turning it back on their visitors. The 30-year-old pivot also scored the opening try of the match.

Lions Currie Cup coach Mziwakhe Nkosi praised the impact Smith has already had, particularly on the union’s younger flyhalves.

12’ | Chris Smith scores on debut!
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“Chris Smith has been a great addition to us. Credit to the people who do the recruitment here. He’s been a good addition and leader,” Nkosi said, at the post-match press conference.

“In fact, he’s been really good in terms of how he’s dealt with Sam Francis, Kade (Wolhuter) and those guys. He has made a hell of an impression on us as a coaching group and a team, and is a very humble guy.

“For him to get 60, 65-odd minutes is good for him, and maybe one or two times before the URC starts will be good for the team.”

Bulls Currie Cup coach Phiwe Nomlomo was equally fulsome in his praise for his former player.

“I know Chris and he was 60% today. He’s just going to get better and better the more he plays,” Nomlomo said.

“I caught up with him before the game and he’s just looking forward to being at home. I think the family will be a lot happier now.

“Just the way he plays, he controls the game with his kicking and tactically. He’s a classy player, for sure.”

Smith offers a potential solution to a troubled position at the Lions, where Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard, Nico Steyn and Francis have all shared the No 10 jersey in recent seasons without making it their own.

The Bulls have shown the value of a backline general who is calm under pressure in Springbok veteran Willie le Roux, and Smith appears set to bring a similarly steadying influence to a youthful Lions backline that also boasts the attacking talents of Lubabalo Dobela.

For Lions United Rugby Championship coach Ivan van Rooyen, the benefit is clear: he now has multiple flyhalf options to suit different match scenarios as his team gears up for another tilt at the title once the Currie Cup campaign concludes.