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Smith laments scrum failure

It was the Bloemfontein side's second loss in row on their Australian tour after they went down 14-36 to the Melbourne Rebels last week.

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"The disappointment was the scrums," said Smith. "There is huge expectation that we must do well in the scrums. 

"I think we there were four turnovers on our scrum in the first half – one of which resulted in a try for them [Reds].

"If we could have gone into the break 10-3 ahead and then score first in the second half, then the picture would have been different."

Smith said the wet conditions in the second half did not help his team's cause.

"With all the rain it meant that the ball was always slippery. It meant that we had to play catch up rugby with a wet ball. 

"There was just too much mistakes," Smith added.

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Meanwhile, regular captain Francois Venter is set to make a return to the team for the clash against the Waratahs.

The centre was withdrawn from the Cheetahs' team on Friday before the Reds clash because of a calf strain.

Flank Paul Schoeman will not be available for the Waratahs match after receiving a one-week ban for a high tackle.

@rugby365com

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