Bristol aiming for top six insists Aussie legend George
GEORGE Smith believes those writing off Bristol’s Premiership chances are wide of the mark.
Australian legend Smith says the Bears squad can match their goal of becoming a top six side.
“We aren’t too bothered about other people’s predictions. We know what we are capable of as a team,” said Smith, the veteran of 111 Tests with Australia and 165 Super Rugby matches.
“From the outside our ambitions may seem lofty, but we feel we have a good squad that can be competitive.
“I don’t think the coaches or players are daunted about playing in the Premiership. We have to be ambitious and we want to be a Champions Cup team.”
Back-row veteran Smith has signed a six-month contract with the Bears.
As well as playing in Australia, France and Japan, he got a taste of the Premiership at Wasps in 2015 and 2016.
“The Premiership is full of big, strong players and is very combative. I’m a few years older now, so I will need an extra few days recovery,” said Smith.
“My first professional match was in 1999. It’s 19 years at the moment, so by the end of the six months here at Bristol it will be 20.
“I’m very proud that the longevity of my career has taken me this far. There were a couple of reasons for coming to Bristol, but Pat Lam and his coaching team were the biggest one. I knew I could slot in very easily and at my age it is all about finding that familiarity and where you can hit the ground running.”