Smith: Lions will remain grounded
WE HAVE OUR GOALS AND IT’S GOING WELL Star man vows to work harder to crack Springbok nod.
It’s all or nothing for the surging Lions in this year’s Super Rugby competition, says their star flank Kwagga Smith. Smith is expected to be retained in the team’s starting lineup today for the Kings clash at Ellis Park on Sunday with Springbok Jaco Kriel at best named on the bench after missing the last four games.
“We have our goals and it’s going well for us in the campaign, and we are happy. But the big secret is for us to remain grounded and don’t take anything for granted,” said Smith this week.
But Smith said it was great to get a starting run over the last few weeks.
“This Sunday against the Kings will be tough. They have been playing excellent rugby,” said Smith.
“I have no problem playing on Sundays as I often had to do it with the Blitzboks.”
Smith said in an interview this week, two days after missing out on selection in the Bok squad, that it made him even more determined to get to the top.
“It’s always disappointing and every guy wants to get there, but it will make me work even harder,” he said.
Smith was thrilled that his captain Warren Whiteley was rewarded with the Bok leadership.
“I’m truly happy for Warren. He is a genuine, great guy and fully deserved it,” said Smith.
One of the big secrets to the Lions success has been their fitness and here conditioning coach Ivan van Rooyen deserves special mention.
“He makes us work really hard, and I must say this has been the fittest I have been in a while.
“He is very thorough, looks after the sleeping patterns when on tour and how to keep the guys fresh,” said Smith.
Smith still laughs about the great breakaway try he scored in Canberra against the Brumbies.
“It was really nice,” he said. “At that moment I was still looking for support but then I saw there were no defenders really close, I just made a run for it.”
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