Daunting task awaits
Lions
Rudolph Jacobs
The Lions do not have all the answers to finding Super Rugby success on Argentine soil, prop Dylan Smith has admitted, ahead of his team’s attempt to break a three-year drought in Buenos Aires when they turn out against the Jaguares tomorrow in their opening game of the competition.
All four SA franchises were well-beaten in Argentina last year – the Lions lost 49-35, the Bulls 54-24, the Sharks 29-13 and the Stormers 25-14.
Yet the Jaguares were not completely invincible at home, as the Hurricanes showed with their 34-8 win, while the Reds won 18-7 and champions Crusaders secured a 40-14 victory.
The closest the Lions had come to explaining why it was so tough there, according to Smith, was by comparing it to their own fortress they had built at home.
“I must be honest, in pre-season we were not specifically preparing just for the Jaguares. We just prepared our shapes and structures,” Smith said.
“But going to Argentina must be a lot like coming to Ellis Park. It’s one of those intimidating places where it’s tough to win.
“I have to give it to the Jaguares. They are tough to beat at home, but we are getting there and the challenge will be good for us.”
Having battled with shoulder injuries for the last three years, Smith had his first action of the season for the Lions two weeks ago in their warm-up clash against the Sharks at the SuperHero Sunday festival in Cape Town, where he built a solid front-row partnership with ace hooker Malcolm Marx and new prop Carlu Sadie.
“I was very disappointed that I didn’t get the chance to play in that 125-year commemorative jersey back in 2014, so it was a cool day, a nice double-header,” he said.
Smith felt they had a challenging start to their campaign, but he said the Lions were excited to start the competition after a tough few months in the build-up.
“At the Lions we just think of the next play and the next move, but it is a thought in the back of our heads. A great start is very important to us.”