Chris Smith stands out despite Lions’ narrow defeat by All Blacks

The Lions’ Chris Smith was named KickOff Rugby’s man of the match after an impressive display in their 41-35 defeat by the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based franchise came close to producing a major upset in the Greatest Rivalry clash, scoring five tries and leading for long periods before New Zealand recovered to secure victory.

Smith was selected as the Lions’ outstanding player despite missing a penalty attempt. The fly-half successfully kicked five conversions, including several from demanding angles, and was judged to have outperformed his opposite number, Richie Mo’unga.

His contribution extended well beyond goal-kicking. Smith controlled the game effectively, helping to keep the Lions’ forwards moving towards the gainline and releasing the backline with accuracy. He also showed a willingness to take the ball forward himself and test the All Blacks’ defensive line.

That attacking intent was matched by a committed performance without the ball. Smith repeatedly put his body on the line, making tackle after tackle in a defensive effort that stood out during a fiercely contested match.

The Lions had several strong performers on the night. Nico Steyn, Siba Mahashe and Quan Horn were among the players to produce notable displays as the home side pushed New Zealand throughout the contest.

However, it was Smith’s all-round performance that earned the strongest recognition from KickOff Rugby. His ability to influence the match through his kicking, distribution, running and defence made him the leading candidate despite the Lions ultimately falling short.

The result was a bitter outcome for the Lions after they had taken the game to the All Blacks and remained in front for much of the encounter. New Zealand’s late fightback denied the Johannesburg-based side what would have been a memorable win in the Greatest Rivalry fixture.

Smith’s display also continued the strong form he showed during the previous United Rugby Championship campaign. He enjoyed a superb season with the Lions and now goes into the new season with confidence following another influential performance against high-level opposition.

His five successful conversions kept the Lions within reach as the match developed, while his work in open play helped give the franchise the platform to score five tries. Although the missed penalty was the only blemish on his goal-kicking return, it did not overshadow a performance in which he managed the game well and remained heavily involved in both attack and defence.

For the Lions, the defeat highlighted their ability to challenge the All Blacks, even though New Zealand eventually prevailed 41-35. For Smith, it provided further evidence of the form that made him the standout player in the Johannesburg side’s brave effort at Ellis Park.