Smith is one of five debutants named by the reigning Currie Cup champions for their opening Toyota Challenge clash against Romania A. The talented loose forward, along with former Hoërskool Diamantveld centre Simon Liversage, has been included in the starting XV as the Peacock Blues continue to build depth within their squad. 

With the Currie Cup around the corner, the Toyota Challenge presents an ideal opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim, while several established stars are being rested.

Dillon Smith and former NWU Eagles captain Stephan Krugel. Krugel was contracted by the Pumas and is also in Bloemfontein for the Toyota Challenge. Photo: ASEM Engage

Smith was brought into the Griquas setup following a long-term injury to the industrious Gustav Erlank, while Phumzile Maqondwana is also sidelined after suffering a concussion in the SA Cup semi-final against the Boland Cavaliers.

Although Carl Els and Marco de Witt can both provide cover at the back of the scrum, the highly-rated Smith was handed an opportunity to test himself at the next level.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Smith said he is eager to grab the chance with both hands, describing the call-up as a dream come true for any aspiring rugby player.

“I'm really looking forward to it, and I’m excited to get an opportunity to play. I’ve just had a few days of training with them now, and there’s lots of excitement within me.

“I was pretty ecstatic when I got the call. As a Varsity Cup player, you always hope for an opportunity to come along your way, so I’m really excited and grateful for getting an opportunity.”

The former Tuks skipper added he felt at home from the moment he arrived in Kimberley, crediting the squad’s culture as one of the driving forces behind the team's continued success.

Griquas captain Derik Pretorius and Romania A captain Vlad Neculau. Photo: Morgan Piek

“From the first day, I’ve really enjoyed it with the boys. There’s a great culture here, the vibe is always great, and I’m thankful to all the guys who welcomed me with open arms and treated me like one of them.”

Making his debut against an experienced Romania A side only adds to Smith’s anticipation, with the young forward relishing the prospect of testing himself against players operating at an international level.

“It’s a massive privilege competing against guys who are playing rugby at a high level. There will probably be a couple of internationals in the team, so I’m really looking forward to that and competing with them as well.”

Simon Liversage. Photo: Morgan Piek

Friday’s Toyota Challenge encounter between the Suzuki Griquas and Romania A at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 15:30.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Connor Mahoney, 13 Tom Nel, 12 Simon Liversage, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Zinedine Robinson, 9 Jack Hart, 8 Dillon Smith, 7 Carel van der Merwe, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Derik Pretorius (captain), 4 Lungisile Mbiko, 3 Moango Ngundue, 2 Keagan Blanckenberg, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Janco Uys, 17 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 18 Johan Louw, 19 Ulrich van der Westhuizen, 20 Cephas van Biljon, 21 Caleb Abrahams, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Zane Bester

Romania A – 15 Toni Maftei, 14 Tevita Manumua, 13 Jason Tomane, 12 Dylan Schwartz, 11 Damian Bonaparte, 10 Hinckley Vaovasa, 9 Jondre Williams, 8 Etienne Terblanche, 7 Vlad Neculau (captain), 6 Mihai Popescu, 5 Logan Weidner, 4 Nicolaas Immelman, 3 Jean Pierre Smith, 2 Adrian Tala, 1 Eduard Matei

Replacements – 16 Robert Irimescu, 17 Iulian Hartig, 18 Cosmin Manole, 19 Yanis Horvat, 20 Matthew Tweddle, 21 Alin Conache, 22 Mihai Graure, 23 Serge Le Mezec

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm