Chris Smith backs his own game against Mo’unga on Rivalry tour

Lions flyhalf Chris Smith will face Richie Mo’unga when the All Blacks visit Ellis Park on Tuesday night. Mo’unga, a 56-Test All Blacks flyhalf, is set for his first appearance on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

Smith has no plans to copy the attacking style that has made Mo’unga one of rugby’s leading playmakers. The Lions pivot intends to focus on his own strengths and make decisions that serve his team rather than attempting to match his opponent’s flair.

Mo’unga was added to the All Blacks squad as an injury replacement and will now take part in the South African leg of the tour. Smith views the meeting as a significant personal opportunity and a chance to measure himself against a player he considers an All Blacks great.

The All Blacks arrive with three victories over South African United Rugby Championship clubs. They defeated the Stormers 38-21, the Sharks 54-0 and the Vodacom Bulls 50-19, leaving the Lions as the final team standing between the tourists and a clean sweep.

The Lions are also in pre-season, although they have had more preparation time and will select an almost full-strength side for the contest. That leaves Smith’s team facing the world’s top-ranked side while still building towards the new campaign.

Smith does not believe the Lions are under an obligation to win. He sees the match as an opportunity to test the group against one of the strongest teams in international rugby, with a positive result providing evidence that the Lions are progressing in the right direction.