Aussie Smith looks to lay down early marker

Munster signing Andrew Smith has an eye for an opportunity and with midfield vacancies up for grabs this season the former Brumbies centre is looking to make a speedy impression.

Which is why just three weeks after touching down in the province from Canberra, the 29-year-old Australian will be looking to hit the ground running when he makes his Munster debut in Friday night’s pre-season SEAT Challenge against London Irish at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre.

Set to make his debut alongside fellow new boy, No 8 Robin Copeland, as head coach Anthony Foley ramps up his preparations for the following weekend’s Pro12 opener at home to Edinburgh, Smith is hoping to stake an early claim to the No 13 jersey vacated by Casey Laulala.