The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

George Smith will start for Wallabies: reports [with expected Wallabies lineup]

Former Brumby George Smith has signed with the Reds. (AAP/NZN Image, SNPA, Ross Setford)
3rd July, 2013
195
3047 Reads

News Limited is reporting George Smith is a bolter for the Wallabies openside flanker position, with Michael Hooper to be moved to the bench.

Smith appearance would be his first since 2009; his 111th Test, and likely his last for Australia.

A medial ligament knee injury had ruled Smith out of contention for the Lions series – which he also played in 2001.

However, he has returned from injury in just five weeks, after being given a 12-week period to recover.

Liam Gill is expected to miss selection, with Robbie Deans expected to make far less changes than his Lions counterpart in Warren Gatland, who has five changes to his starting Lions XV.

As reported earlier, the Western Force’s Ben McCalman has been a shock addition to the Wallabies bench to cover the for No. 6 and No. 8 positions in a 6-2 bench split.

The only other expected change to the line-up is Rob Horne making way on the bench for McCalman.

Expected Wallabies team to play the British and Irish Lions on Saturday – to be announced at 3pm on Thursday – for the final Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Advertisement

1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. James Horwill (capt.)
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

close