Smith relishing underdog tag

Lions flanker Kwagga Smith believes the challenge of facing the Hurricanes in Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final will bring out the best in his side.

There are those in rugby circles such as Springbok great Joel Stransky who feel the Lions may struggle due to not yet having faced a New Zealand side in this year's competition.

But Smith believes it is something that will spur the Lions on to greater heights.

“It’s one of the games in the season that counts," Smith told SuperSport.

"You only have one chance and you have to give it your all, otherwise you might be disappointed afterwards and it will be too late to rectify it.

“It is a huge challenge to face a New Zealand team but that will also bring out the best in us as a team, you know when you play against a great team you also perform great.

"For us to perform against them and for them to come to us on our home turf – they are used to cold and wet weather at this moment, it will be great for us to play in the sunshine at 14:30.

“It is always a great challenge but that is where you want to measure yourself."

Smith has been in superb form for the Lions this season, notching up five man-of-the-match awards.