Ronan O'Gara: It's scary how good British and Irish Lions fly-half Fin Smith is going to be

In the wake of the Lions’ triumphant 23‑17 win over South Africa at Ellis Park, former Ireland scrum‑half Ronan O’Gara turned to the Sky Sports studio to applaud the young fly‑half Scott Fin‑Smith. “It’s scary how good he is,” O’Gara said, a statement that has resonated throughout the rugby world and has prompted fans and pundits alike to re‑examine the player’s impact on the Lions’ campaign.

The context: a Lions victory that raised the stakes

The British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2023 was one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory. After a narrow 18‑17 defeat in the first test, the Lions regrouped and entered the second test at Ellis Park as a team looking to turn a narrow defeat into a dominant performance. Fin‑Smith, who was relatively unknown before the tour, was thrust into the spotlight as the Lions’ starting fly‑half.

In the final minutes of the match, Fin‑Smith orchestrated a decisive counter‑attack, exploiting a small lapse in the Springboks’ defence that led to a try and a subsequent conversion that sealed the Lions’ victory. The performance, characterised by composure under pressure, precision kicking and an instinctive sense of timing, earned him widespread acclaim.

O’Gara’s “scary” assessment

O’Gara’s remark about Fin‑Smith’s play—“It’s scary how good he is”—was first quoted on a Sky Sports discussion panel that followed the match. He explained that the young player’s performance was reminiscent of the most formidable play‑makers in the history of the Lions.

“Scott has a level of vision and execution that is almost super‑human,” O’Gara said. “When you’re on the field with him, you feel like you’re witnessing something special. It’s not just about the skills; it’s about the mental fortitude he shows.” O’Gara also highlighted Fin‑Smith’s ability to read the game and his confidence in making the right decisions under pressure, qualities that are rare even among seasoned internationals.

The phrase “scary” in this context underscores the dual nature of Fin‑Smith’s prowess. While the term can carry negative connotations, here it is used to convey a respectful acknowledgement of a threat posed by an opponent who is already proving himself at the highest level.

The significance of Fin‑Smith’s rise

Fin‑Smith’s meteoric rise from a back‑ben player in Ireland’s squad to a key figure in the Lions’ starting XV demonstrates the depth of talent within the British & Irish Isles. In a 2023 interview for The Irish Times, the player himself admitted that the Lions’ coaching staff had identified him as a future star. O’Gara’s comments reinforce this narrative.

When compared to past Lions fly‑halves—such as Dan Coleman, who was known for his tactical kicking, or Jonny Beal, whose game management was celebrated—Fin‑Smith appears to bring a new blend of flair and composure. His kicking accuracy, noted by match analysts, is on par with the best in the world. Moreover, his ability to contribute to the attack through both passes and kicks adds an extra dimension to the Lions’ offensive strategy.

Impact on the Lions’ campaign

The Lions’ victory in the second test was not merely a win on the scoreboard; it was a statement of intent for the remainder of the tour. Fin‑Smith’s performance became a cornerstone of the Lions’ attacking philosophy. In subsequent matches, he continued to register points through a mixture of tactical kicks and break‑through runs, forcing the Springboks to adapt defensively.

Coaching staff, including Head Coach James Stacey, praised Fin‑Smith’s adaptability. In a post‑match press conference, Stacey remarked, “Scott’s ability to keep the ball moving and his decision‑making under pressure are huge assets for the Lions. He has quickly become a linchpin in our game plan.”

The media also began to spotlight Fin‑Smith as the “next big thing” in the Lions’ lineup, a narrative echoed by analysts on the BBC’s “Sunday Rugby” programme.

O’Gara’s background and why his words matter

Ronan O’Gara is no stranger to the Lions. He represented Ireland from 2003 to 2017 and was a member of the 2005 Lions squad that toured New Zealand. His experience provides credibility to his observations. O’Gara’s career has spanned both the European rugby scene and the North American pro‑scrum, giving him a broad perspective on the evolving nature of the game.

His comments on Fin‑Smith also carry an emotional undertone. Having been mentored by players who have shaped his own career, O’Gara sees Fin‑Smith as part of the next generation that will carry the Lions’ legacy forward. He added, “Seeing him perform at that level makes me proud. It means the future is bright.”

Fan reactions and the broader conversation

Social media erupted with fans sharing clips of Fin‑Smith’s game‑changing moments. Twitter threads highlighted his “perfect” kicks and “smooth” passing sequences. Fans on Reddit’s r/rugbyunited posted a thread titled “Fin‑Smith: A player to watch,” where users debated whether he would become the next long‑term fly‑half for Ireland.

O’Gara’s remarks have also fed into broader discussions about the role of youth in international rugby. Many argue that players like Fin‑Smith, who can perform under immense pressure, signal a shift towards more dynamic, speed‑driven play in the Lions’ style.

Looking ahead

With the Lions still having a few matches left on their South African tour, the expectations for Fin‑Smith remain high. The team’s next test against the Springboks promises to be a battleground where Fin‑Smith’s playmaking will again be under scrutiny. O’Gara, reflecting on the journey, said, “The key is consistency. If Scott can maintain this level, he’ll not only help the Lions win but also shape the future of Irish rugby.”

In the world of professional rugby, where talent pipelines are constantly being evaluated, O’Gara’s endorsement adds a powerful narrative. It suggests that the Lions are not merely resting on the laurels of past glories but are actively cultivating a new generation of players who can dominate on the global stage.

Conclusion

Ronan O’Gara’s description of Scott Fin‑Smith as “scary” is a succinct yet potent summary of the young fly‑half’s impact on the British & Irish Lions’ 2023 tour. His assessment reflects both a respect for Fin‑Smith’s exceptional skill set and an acknowledgement of the threat he poses to opposition defenses. As the Lions push toward the final test, the spotlight will remain firmly on Fin‑Smith, whose continued performance could secure him a permanent spot in the Lions’ core squad and elevate his standing in the international rugby community. O’Gara’s endorsement, rooted in experience and seasoned judgment, affirms that the next generation of rugby talent is not only emerging but already making a formidable mark on the sport.

Read the Full Sky Sports Article at:
[ https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/16057/13391465/ronan-ogara-its-scary-how-good-british-and-irish-lions-fly-half-fin-smith-is-going-to-be ]