Euro sides need to up their physicality to win in SA, says Glasgow coach Franco Smith

New Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith believes that Northern Hemisphere teams in the United Rugby Championship (URC) need to up their physicality if they want to win regularly in South Africa. 

Smith, who left the Italian Rugby Federation for the Glasgow job, will be looking to replicate the same ball-in-hand attacking approach that was successful for him when he was in charge of the Cheetahs in the erstwhile PRO14. The former Springbok back now finds himself with the task of trying to take the Warriors forward to being the force they were in the predecessor of the URC. 

Smith, who has coached in both PRO14 and Super Rugby, said while it will still be difficult to win in South Africa, teams will take a step up now that they know what they will face in the Republic. 

"It's good to compete, I've competed with them in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby," said Smith. 

"It is an excellent competition to be part of through the years, and now with the South Africans coming in, they are just adding a bit more spice and intent. 

"Them coming in, playing in the final, will definitely influence the way the rest of Europe is looking at the game again. They should expect a step up from all the other European teams, which is inevitable after last year." 

He immediately pinpointed physicality when asked what was needed for the European sides to do better in Africa. 

"South African sides are very happy at home. They love waking up and all the build-up towards the day. We grew up with that, the braaivleis fires on the way to the game, the excitement outside the stadium and the temperature is very good. Very few games are played in the wet and uncomfortable weather. The environment in South Africa is a little bit different," Smith