Smith: Standards are high this year

Deon Smith has enjoyed an excellent start to his Pontypool RFC career with three tries in as many games at the start of the WRU Admiral National Championship campaign.

The 23-year-old started on the wing in the big victories over Maesteg Harlequins RFC and Cross Keys RFC, scoring a try in each game.

He then moved to centre for the top-of-the-table clash with Neath RFC but that did not stop him adding another try to his name with a superb solo effort.

After receiving the ball on the run, Smith saw plenty of space beyond the final man and trusted himself to beat him in a foot race to gather his kick forward and touch down.

“I don’t really think too much when I play,” he said.

“There was a bit of space, I put the ball there and hoped I was faster than the other man.

"Luckily, I was and it’s always nice to get over the whitewash but especially early on to get us on the front foot.

“It was two good sides playing top rugby.

“We didn’t help ourselves with discipline but maximum points against top opposition, you can’t ask for much more.

“It’s always a bonus to get that extra point but it’s the standards that we drive from within.

“That’s where we set ourselves to be and so it’s almost a must from us going forward for the rest of the season.”

Despite switching the number 13, Smith insisted the position change wasn’t too difficult as the game plan was still the same.

“It’s a change of number but in terms of the dynamics of how we play it’s not a massive difference,” he added.

“It’s always a little bit strange playing further in the middle. You get a bit more hands on ball and the boys around me made it easier for me.

“The boys right through the squad, whether they are in the matchday team or training, the standards have been set really high this year.

“Hopefully we continue on that path and it will be a successful year.”

Pooler top the table after three games with 15 points and are the only side with an unbeaten record.