Smith said from South Africa yesterday it did not get any better than this time of year and the side had done a full review of the quarterfinal game against the Brumbies.
He said the performance against the Brumbies was a bit of a hiccup but the team was good enough to get through it and was looking forward to the challenge of the Lions.
The defence in the final 10 minutes against the Brumbies showed how desperate the side was to win the game.
"That last 10 minutes - that was our season ... the forwards and backs showed how much it meant, how much they wanted it,'' Smith said.
"Our scrum got asked big questions and stood strong. That is what we had to do and then it came down to our defence just staying strong when the ball came out of the scrum.''
The side had arrived in Johannesburg - albeit staying in a different hotel than it did a month ago when it was there - and Smith said he was enjoying being back in the republic at semifinal time.
"It doesn't get much better, being back here in the semifinals. I'm just grateful we are back here and will be fizzing for the game.''
The Lions were a good side, who had talent right through their ranks, he said.
They had plenty of attributes and would work hard for the entire 80 minutes with a relentless game plan.
"So we just have to prepare well and get out there and do our job. Sure we had a hiccup against the Brumbies but we have got through that and now we have another opportunity this week.''
It will be a rare day game for Smith who said it would be good to get up and get ready for the game.
"Game days can drag a bit. You just want to get out and play the game. To be able to do the job at Ellis Park is pretty special. It is a real fortress of rugby''
Smith played to his usual high standard against the Brumbies and was part of that heroic effort at the end which kept out a desperate Brumbies side.
He also ended the game when he asked referee Angus Gardner whether the game was over.
After denying it was, Gardner than decided it was.
"It wasn't a penalty so I just asked him and he agreed it was over. He blew his whistle. I asked him in a positive manner I think.''
South African referee Jaco Peyper has been confirmed as the man in the middle for the match in Johannesburg. Peyper is an experienced referee who controlled last year's Super rugby final in Wellington.
Experienced South African whistle-blower Craig Joubert is not available as he is preparing to referee sevens at the Rio Olympics.
Gardner has been confirmed as the referee for the first semifinal between the Chiefs and the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.
