Level-headed Chris Smith the steady hand as Lions zone in on first-ever URC Top 8 finish

Chris Smith may be an unsung hero in the context of South African flyhalves but his Lions teammates know just how valuable his experience and calm head are to their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign.

Ahead of a defining home clash on Saturday afternoon (4pm kick-off) against Connacht, as they look to secure a Top 4 spot before travelling for the final two games, the Ellis Park side will once again be counting on their points machine to steer them to victory.

Currently leading the league’s points-scoring charts with 135, Smith is the glue in the Lions’ backline in the No 10 jersey and will look to maintain his golden touch. The Johannesburg outfit will aim to make it six wins in a row when they take on the high-flying Irish club.

Captain Francke Horn told Independent Media that Smith has been an invaluable cog in their system. His level-headedness has guided them to some excellent victories. Last weekend, the flyhalf converted seven of the eight tries scored in a 52-12 rout of the Glasgow Warriors.

“Chris brings great calm and a level of maturity to the team,” Horn said of his general.

“I mean, he has played in big play-offs before for different teams. He has seen this game and picture several times. For a senior guy to come here and slot in just like that is absolutely massive for the team. He is taking the side forward on and off the field with his leadership and accurate kicking boot.

“You can see his influence in the way he is playing and how we are playing. He is a big asset to us, and it is our job around him to ensure he is as comfortable as possible (going forward).”

One thing that stands out for Horn is how Smith has adapted to the players around him. He slotted in seamlessly alongside Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, Nico Steyn and youngster Haashim Pead on his inside.

The Lions have also had a couple of different inside centres outside him, most recently Bronson Mills and Richard Kriel, but despite the changes, they know they can always depend on their No 10, no matter who is alongside him.

“I think that is part of his calmness and maturity. He knows the players he has on his inside and outside, even when they change from week to week. Chris understands what each one can give him, and he ensures they are on the same wavelength to gel on the pitch and take the team forward.”

As the Top 8 race reaches its pinnacle in a couple of weeks, the Lions will look more to their calm flyhalf when they take on Connacht this weekend, and a couple more Irish powerhouses away from home in the final two league games of the season.