Franco Smith Jr: “These Games Could Determine Our Future in the Competition”

As the Cheetahs brace themselves for a crucial EPCR showdown against Ulster on European soil, Franco Smith Jr has offered insight into life on tour, the challenges of winter rugby, and the mindset within the squad ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Arriving in Amsterdam from the South African summer has been an adjustment in itself. “It’s extremely cold,” Smith Jr admits. “Fortunately, I spent a lot of time in Europe during my playing days, so I know how much warm clothing you need. Some of the boys are still getting used to it. It’s always tough going from a sunny 35-degree day in South Africa to a snowy winter day here.”

Despite the freezing temperatures, the Cheetahs have embraced their surroundings. For Smith Jr, this trip marks his first visit to the Netherlands. “It’s quite interesting seeing this part of the world—very beautiful,” he says with a smile. “The similarities between Afrikaans and Dutch are always funny. You hear words that sound familiar, even if they mean something slightly different.”

From a rugby perspective, preparation has been thorough. While the squad faced limited on-ground time in Europe, Smith Jr is confident the groundwork was laid back home. “We had enough time in South Africa to prepare well for this game. We know the weather will influence how it’s played. Contestable kicking and territorial gain have been a big focus because of that.”

Ulster’s strength at home is well documented, but Smith Jr believes the Cheetahs’ biggest weapon lies within themselves. “We have a lot of players with great skill and individual brilliance,” he explains. “But for this game, sticking to our main game plan is the key focus.”

Managing travel and recovery has also been part of the equation. “The travel hasn’t been too difficult, so physically the recovery was fairly simple,” he says. “We’ve definitely been visiting the sauna a bit more. Back home we trained with wet balls to simulate the conditions as much as possible.”

While Ulster boast plenty of individual quality, the Cheetahs are not getting distracted by specific match-ups. “They’re a really good team with a lot of talent,” Smith Jr notes, “but our focus stays on what we can control rather than singling out individual players.”

There’s still room for humour within the camp, even in icy conditions. Asked who would handle ‘snowball duty’ on the pitch, Smith Jr laughs: “Daniel Maartens and Jandre Nel have proven themselves as the best snowball fighters in the team.” As for superstitions? “Nothing really. Everyone has their own preparation methods, but nothing silly or funny.”

Representing the Cheetahs in Europe remains a source of pride. “Playing in this jersey is always special, but even more so in the EPCR,” he says. “We’re expected to perform at an even higher level now because it means so much to us.”

With the competition finely poised, the stakes could not be higher. “Every game is extremely important,” Smith Jr concludes. “The teams we face week in, week out are the best of the best. This weekend’s game could determine our future in the competition.”

One word to sum up the mood ahead of kick-off?

“Excited.”

Kick-off approaches, the snow settles, and the stage is set for another defining chapter in the Cheetahs’ European journey.