A match-winner for the Junior Springboks within the U20 Championship opener in opposition to Georgia, flyhalf Jean Smith is writing a brand new chapter in his household’s wealthy rugby historical past.

Smith slotted 18 factors, together with two late stress penalties, in a man-of-the-match efficiency to assist the Junior Springboks get their marketing campaign off to a profitable begin in Stellenbosch.

The son of former Springbok again and present Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco, Smith is the youthful of two brothers writing their very own rugby story. His older brother Franco Junior performs for Zebre in Italy.

“It’s very particular to have the ability to put on the Smith identify on my again,” Jean Smith stated after the opening win.

“It’s thrilling to be one other Smith within the household to play rugby. It’s a God-given reward that I can take ahead and I’m very blissful.”

A graduate of Gray Faculty in Bloemfontein, Smith admitted that there have been a number of early nerves when he ran out in entrance of a crowd of 5000 followers on the Danie Craven Stadium.

“It was my first time on the sphere sporting the Springbok badge. It was very thrilling, however I have to say, I had a number of jitters firstly.

“As quickly as you get that first hit, that first part, all the things kind of goes away and you’ll deal with what you might want to do to make the staff higher. So these jitters have been there, however they shortly went away.

“Every participant has his personal routine to prepare for a recreation. I feel mine is likely to be totally different from many of the different gamers. I attempt to calm myself and hearken to gospel music. On the sphere you simply observe your processes, as a result of consistency is the important thing.”

Smith attributes his flawless goalkicking efficiency to the hours he spent on the coaching floor.

“I practice day-after-day. They are saying follow makes good, however generally it’s not all the time good. You practice to be constant. It’s not one thing that simply falls into place day-after-day. I’ve been planning because the starting of the 12 months – throughout follow and by myself on weekends.

“When others is likely to be taking a break, I put in additional time,” stated Smith.

Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix