It’s a case of practice makes perfect for Chris Smith - the winner of the Gilbert Golden Boot Award for a second time. The Fidelity SecureDrive Lions fly-half has secured the prize by kicking more points than anyone else in the regular league season, racking up 149 in all, made up of 17 penalties and 49 conversions.
That saw him finish clear of his nearest rival, DHL Stormers star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who kicked 113 points.
For Smith, who also won the Gilbert Golden Boot award in 2024 when he was with the Vodacom Bulls, it’s a reward for all the hours he puts in on the training field.
“You do really have to put the work in,” said the 31-year-old marksman.
“It’s a daily work-on, and you have to focus on the small things and the detail to be able to kick at a good percentage.
“There’s no specific number of kicks or routine that I do every single week. I probably go more on feeling than I want to kick 100 kicks this week.
“I focus on rhythm and build it up towards the game. If I feel really good and have hit some good ones, then I will stop.”
Smith is also quick to acknowledge the debt of gratitude he owes to his kicking coach at the Lions - former Springboks great Morne Steyn.
“You honestly couldn’t have a much better mentor. He’s probably one of the best ball strikers the game has ever seen. He ranks right up there,” he said.
“To be able to learn from him has been priceless. That’s been quite special.”
