South Africa's World Cup winning captain John Smit took part in his first Heineken Cup match on Sunday, and he liked what he saw from his team mates at ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Smit was in positive mood after his first taste of Heineken Cup rugby in Clermont Auvergne's 48-21 triumph over Llanelli Scarlets at the Stade Marcel Michelin.
The South African was introduced to the game after 59 minutes and admitted he was glad to get into the action.
He said: ''I was taken by surprise by the speed of the game and I wondered if I'd have the legs for it. There were some good offloads and good skills out there.
''This is one of the most professional outfits I've been involved with and my life has been made a lot easier by the players and the coaches.
"This is a new chapter for me after the World Cup and it is a great challenge. What has struck me most is how hungry the guys are for this competition.''
