Aussie Smith looks to lay down early marker

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 nightās 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 weekendās Pro12 opener at home to Edinburgh, Smith is hoping to stake an early claim to the No 13 jersey vacated by Casey Laulala.
And with James Downeyās summer exit to Glasgow opening up a contest at inside centre, the 6ft 4ins, 16st 5lbs Aussie certainly sees an opportunity.
āYeah, I think so,ā Smith told the Irish Examiner. āThereās been a bit of a turnover of players there so thereās a few positions open there in the centres.
āIn saying that, thereās a lot of skilful players that can play all over the back line so I think that might be one of our strengths, where guys can fit in wherever in the back line.ā
How Smith, on a one-year contract, fits into that back line will be keenly anticipated, not least by Munster attack and backs coach Brian Walsh.
āMy impressions of him are very good,ā Walsh said of Smith. āHeās a smashing guy, a great fit from a character point of view, a great work ethic. Heās low maintenance, a good athlete, his core skills are very strong and heās only been here a short time. He seems to have a very good head on him, takes information on board very quickly, so everything has been positive but, like anything, weāve got to get out and play and see how everything works in context and hopefully the start of that will be on Friday.ā
Outside centre has been where Smith has played most of his rugby, although it was at inside centre that he featured for the Canberra-based Brumbies in their famous June 2013 victory over the British & Irish Lions.
Yet after 50 Super Rugby caps, the last of which came on May 31 in a victory over Tony McGahanās Melbourne Rebels, the centre was itching for different pastures.
āI was looking forward to a new experience,ā Smith said. āIād been in Canberra with the Brumbies for a while and I did have a desire to experience European rugby at some stage. When the opportunity came up to go to Munster there was definitely no other consideration. I was more than happy and very excited go forward with this opportunity. Iāve had a bit of time off, which was good because we had a long season and we could get away from rugby for a bit. Iām in good nick, Iām injury-free and feeling refreshed. Now Iām just looking forward to playing games and getting stuck back in to rugby.ā
Three weeks after landing in Cork with his partner and new baby, Smithās chance will come as Munster look to field a stronger side against London Irish than the inexperienced 15 which fell 45-8 to a full-strength Gloucester at Kingsholm last Saturday.
Speaking after training at CIT yesterday, Smith said: āI havenāt played for a few weeks now so it will be good to get back into it before the season starts and get some match fitness.
āItās definitely flown by since I arrived. Iāve done a lot in those three weeks and Iām learning every day. New things are popping up every day that Iām having to adjust to but thatās all part of it and itās good, Iām enjoying it.ā