From "reliable back-up" to the heart of the Lions' URC surge, Chris Smith is proving he belongs in the Springbok conversation. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
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The elevation of the Lions from United Rugby Championship also-rans to genuine play-off contenders has been one of the most compelling narratives of the current season.
While the explosive pace of the back three and the abrasive nature of their pack often grabbing the headlines, the quiet architect behind this resurgence has been flyhalf Chris Smith. Since his move to Johannesburg, Smith has played with a level of authority that suggests he is no longer just a reliable provincial pivot, but a player who warrants to be in the Springbok selection debate.
The case for Smith begins with the fundamental requirements of a Test-level flyhalf: game management and goal-kicking.
In the altitude-assisted arena of Ellis Park, Smith has mastered the art of the tactical long-game. His ability to pin opposition teams back with a probing boot has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ six-match winning streak at home.
Moreover, his success rate off the tee remains among the highest in the competition. In the pressure-cooker environment of international rugby, where Test matches are frequently decided by three-point margins, Smith’s metronomic accuracy is a luxury Rassie Erasmus cannot easily ignore.
However, Smith has added a layer of flair to his pragmatism. He has become adept at taking the ball to the line, identifying the soft shoulders in defensive structures, and releasing the Lions’ dangerous runners at the perfect moment. A great example of his skillset was on show during the Connacht win this past weekend, when he produced two wonderful passes that ended with Angelo Davids scoring the first try of the match.
It feels like Smith has come out of his shell and embracing his "main character" tag after playing second fiddle as a back-up option almost everywhere he has played. Confidence can really bring out the best version of player.
The road to a Springbok jersey, however, is congested with world-class talent, each offering a different proposition to the Boks at flyhalf. To break into the Springbok squad, Smith must navigate a hierarchy that is as deep as it has ever been.
Handré Pollard remains the gold standard when it comes to big-match temperament, having kicked the Bulls to victory in Saturday night’s late kick-off against the Scarlets. His experience and ability to execute under pressure make him a valuable asset despite falling behind younger, more attacking flyhalves.
Manie Libbok has been cooking in Japan’s second division, looking like a player mentally refreshed away from the spotlight in South Africa. He remains the country’s premier attacking flyhalf, offering a level of unpredictability that can dismantle any defence.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, however, is an incumbent that will not be easily unseated. His physical presence, massive boot, and ability to turn any game on its head, with his running ability have made him the darling of the selectors. He hasn’t the greatest of seasons, but his all-round play make the No 1 choice in the No 10 jersey
Where does this leave Smith, then?
Well, he represents a middle ground. He is more territorially dominant than Libbok, yet more comfortable in an expansive, high-tempo system than Pollard.
In the Lions’ recent victory over Connacht, Smith showed he could manage a game through periods dominance and when they had a player in the bin without losing his composure, a trait that has defined Springbok rugby in the Erasmus-era.
While he may not possess the flashy footwork of Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s highlight reel, Chris Smith possesses the one thing the national selectors value above all else: a winning habit. As the Lions continue to roar, the noise surrounding their flyhalf’s international credentials is only going to get louder.