Smith call-up a 'masterstroke'

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He's back ... George Smith will line-up for Australia again 12 years after playing in the last decisive Lions Test. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

The bold recall of veteran flanker George Smith to the gold no.7 has been hailed by leading Wallaby figures as a "masterstroke" with the potential to lift Australia to a series triumph against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

The contrasting fortunes of the only active survivors of the 2001 Lions series couldn't have been starker yesterday, when news of Brian O'Driscoll's shock dumping for the decider was followed by Fox Sports' revelations Smith had won a stunning call-up to the Wallabies side.

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Despite only returning last week from a six-week knee injury, Smith will today be named as the Australian no.7, almost four years after his last game in gold in 2009.

The veteran flanker, who turns 33 next week, will play his 111th and final Test at ANZ Stadium, and become the first Australian to play in successive Lions series under the current 12-year cycle.

Smith's return will see Michael Hooper return to the bench, and Liam Gill be unluckily squeezed out of the squad, but Deans' side appears one of the strongest he's ever fielded in six years.

The bold Smith selection was last night hailed by some of the flanker's self-confessed mentors and ex-teammates.

Former Wallaby halfback George Gregan, who played in the 2001 series with a 20-year-old Smith, said his old friend would shine.

"It's fantastic for George, and obviously the team as well," Gregan said.

"I don't know any more influential players in rugby, he's a magical talent, and his presence will be a massive shot in the arm for the Wallabies.

"He and Richie McCaw are guys who never play below 8/10, and every so often transcend everyone else on a field."

Former Wallabies and Brumbies coach Eddie Jones said Smith's presence could tip the Test match.

"He's a once-in-a-lifetime player," Jones said.

"George will contest the breakdown fiercely, and after Australia left tries on the field in the first two Tests, I think his link work in attack will be important for the Wallabies.

"The best thing is he'll lift all players around him. I wouldn't be surprised if Cliffy Palu is the best player on the field, with George next to him."

Former Wallaby hooker Brendan Cannon said: "It's an absolute masterstroke by Robbie Deans. He's hands-down one of the greatest players I ever had the pleasure to play with or against, and indeed, watch."

Smith's almost accidental return to the Wallabies only came after returning to Australian rugby this year from Japan on an 12-week injury cover contract for the Brumbies. His form was still so strong he was due to be picked by Deans in the Lions squad, but a serious medial ligament injury was suffered on tour eve and supposed to require a 3-month recovery. He was back training with Australia after 6 weeks.

After an inglorious exit in 2009, Jones said he was pleased Smith had the chance to finish his career on Saturday with a fitting hero's farewell with a second Lions series win.

That same chance - albeit for his first win - was taken from O'Driscoll yesterday, when the 34-year-old was dropped by Warren Gatland for the first time in 133 Tests and four Lions tours.

Jones said the decision was the right one, given the Irish veteran had been "struggling".

"Defensively he's been good but age just takes away that attacking spark. He's looked out of sorts," Jones said.

But Gregan admitted the O'Driscoll axing came as a shock.

"That's a big call. He knows big Test rugby inside out and knows how to win," Gregan said.

"I know he'd be absolutely desperate to win this game, so yes, that's a bit of a surprise to me."

Cannon said the O'Driscoll dumping and the installation of ten Wales players in the Lions side could potentially prove disruptive in the tourists' camp.

"To bring in ten Wales players - who haven't beaten the Wallabies in years - and leave out such an iconic player, who is revered by his teammates, is a massive call by Gatland," Cannon said.

"I am sure behind closed doors it could have the potential to create disquiet among the Lions squad. He is a big an icon in the game as they come."

WALLABIES TEAM TO PLAY THE LIONS

1. Benn Robinson.
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. James Horwill ©
5. Kane Douglas
6. Ben Mowen
7. George Smith
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Will Genia
10. James O'Connor
11. Joe Tomane
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Israel Folau
15. Kurtley Beale

Reserves
16. Saia Faingaa
17. James Slippper
18. Sekope Kepu
19. Rob Simmons
20. Ben McCalman
21. Michael Hooper
22. Nick Phipps
23. Jesse Mogg

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