Smit hungry for European success

World Cup winner John Smit fired an ominous warning to Heineken Cup heavyweights Wasps and Munster after French challengers Clermont Auvergne flexed their muscles for a major European title assault.

Clermont, 48-21 winners against Llanelli Scarlets on Sunday, travel to face 2006 European champions Munster next weekend before hosting Heineken Cup holders Wasps on December 8.

"These guys are hungry to win this tournament, and we've made a great start," said South Africa captain Smit.

"This is one of the most professional outfits I have ever been involved with.

"I was taken by surprise by the speed of the game. We had good offloads and good skills. This is an exciting new chapter for me."