For Jordan Smiler, it’s not a matter of where he plays but if.Speaking ahead of the Brumbies opening home match against Durban on Saturday, Smiler said as long as he is playing he doesn’t care what number he wears.“I just want to play,” the New Zealand-born forward said on Tuesday.
“If that’s at seven, if it’s at eight or six or second row I love it all. I just play where I need to play, first game was at number 8, we’ll see what happens this week.
”Smiler put in an outstanding Round 1 performance in the Brumbies narrow 17-13 loss against the Crusaders in Christchurch.While he conceded the result was disappointing, Smiler is excited for the future after the Brumbies debuted six new faces during the clash.
“I think it’s really exciting, with a bunch of new guys we have, they bring a different vibe to the team. It’s almost like going back four or five years where the Brumbies had a bunch of new guys, they brought a whole lot of enthusiasm and just an eagerness to train and to get better.
”With that comes competition and Smiler is not shying away from the added pressure.
“I think we have the most depth in the back row across the whole team at the moment which is great team wise, it creates competition in training and it keeps everyone on their toes and pushing for sport which is only good for the team.“It’s tough for myself trying to secure a spot every weekend but it’s good, it only makes me better and makes me train harder.
”Despite finding himself a senior figure amongst the side, Smiler says he won’t try and change his approach, preferring his actions to lead the way.
“My role is always just to, I guess just set an example through my actions, I’ve never been one to speak out that much but to try and just work hard through my physicality if I can and being able to know my detail and my specific role. If I can get my individual prep right and my role right within our game structure, then that’s what I can do for the team.
”The Brumbies will meet a determined Sharks side on Saturday after the Durban outfit feel just short in a pulsating 28-26 defeat at the hands of the Queensland Reds.Words: Dominic Unwin
