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Classy youngster Liam Gill gets the chance to push his Test credentials this weekend with his first showdown against George Smith, the man he rates as one of the greatest openside flankers ever.
The Reds back-rower has been in tremendous early-season form and looks to be vying with the NSW Waratahs’ Michael Hooper to start at openside against the British and Irish Lions in the absence of the injured David Pocock.
All eight of 20-year-old Gill’s Test appearances were off the bench last year.
Brumbies legend and 110-Test veteran Smith, 32, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Lions series, if a deal can be worked out with his Japanese club to extend his time in Australia.
With Smith out of the Super Rugby system for the past two seasons, Saturday’s Suncorp Stadium blockbuster represents Gill’s first chance to test his mettle against the legendary flanker.
“I’m excited about the opportunity, he’s arguably one of the best flankers the world has seen,” Gill told AAP.
“I’m nervous about coming up against him, but in the same sense very excited.
“As I grew up the fight between (New Zealand’s) Richard McCaw and George Smith was massive.
“I think looking at that, that was probably the biggest impact on my flanking career.”
While outplaying the likes of Smith and Hooper will only help his Test aspirations, Gill refuses to get caught up-in head-to-head battles.
“I’ve never had any interest in outplaying anyone else,” Gill said.
“I’ve tried to only focus on my game.”
Gill wasn’t in Australia for the last Lions tour of Australia 12 years ago as he was living in the United States at the time due to his father’s work and was playing American football, not rugby.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.