George Smith to make shock Australia return for Lions arrival
AUSTRALIA are set to play a back-row joker for the Lions series by calling George Smith out of Test retirement.
He has expressed an interest, he is keen. We have a process to follow through with Suntory, but if we can address that successfully, it’s a real possibility
With David Pocock ruled out because of knee ligament damage, Smith, 32, who played the last of his 110 Tests four years ago, is being lined up for a Wallabies comeback.
He is currently on the books of Japanese club Suntory, but Australia coach Robbie Deans is confident of securing a release to face the Lions.
“He has expressed an interest, he is keen. We have a process to follow through with Suntory, but if we can address that successfully, it’s a real possibility,” said Deans.
Smith is poised to be included in a 25-man Australia squad on May 19 as part of a potent back-row group which will include the incumbent No7 Michael Hooper, who was man of the match when the Wallabies beat England at Twickenham in November.
The outstanding but wayward Kurtley Beale could also feature after being selected by the Melbourne Rebels yesterday for the first time since he was suspended indefinitely for punching two teammates on a drunken night out in South Africa five weeks ago.