Robbie Deans has named George Smith to start for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions in the deciding Test in Sydney.
Smith’s return is a possible farewell Test appearance on Australian soil, after previously having retired during the 33-12 win over Wales in Cardiff at the end of the 2009 Spring Tour.
The influence of Smith in the Brumbies was noted by Deans.
“He’s class, isn’t he?” said Deans.
“To have achieved what George has throughout his career, and return to play at the highest level, after such a long break, is a testament to the quality of the man, both as a person, and as a player.”
Michael Hooper drops to the bench, while Liam Gill has missed selection as speculated.
“The decision to go with George in no way reflects any dis-satisfaction with the way either Michael or Liam have played,” Deans says.
“But it has been a tough series – the first two games have been rugged, especially at the breakdown, and we feel that the combination of experience and fresh legs that George brings is the right way to go for this week.
“His expertise in the contact zone, where timing, judgement and physicality is everything, is going to be critical. Being able to call on George allows us to lighten the load on Michael while retaining the ability to inject him into what is sure to be a fast-paced and highly physical contest.”
This has seen a 6-forward, 2-back bench, with Ben McCalman called in, while Rob Horne makes way.
Nick Phipps and uncapped fullback Jesse Mogg provide the run on options across the back line.
“The fact that this will be the third sell-out crowd, in what is such a competitive Australian sporting market, says it all,” said Deans.
“Both sets of fans have been fantastic, the atmosphere in ground amazing, but with 80,000 seats available this weekend; this is our chance to drown out the sea of red.
“I encourage all Australians – both those going to the game and those watching it around the country – to get into gold and get behind your Wallabies.
“It really does make a massive difference to the players. You’ve seen how closely matched the two teams are: that support could be the point of difference that gets the Wallabies over the line.”
The Wallabies team to play the British & Irish Lions in the third and deciding Tom Richards Cup Test on Saturday July 6 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney (kick-off: 8.05pm AEST, 11.05am UKST) is:
15. Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels)
14. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
12. Christian Leali’ifano (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
10. James O’Connor (Melbourne Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
8. Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds, captain)
4. Kane Douglas (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Run on Reserves:
16. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
17. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
18. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
19. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
20. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
21. Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs)
22. Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels)
23. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)
More to follow.
joeb
Guest
How come the Badger didn't make the squad? Not even the bench...
rl
Guest
he's not John, the other guy is. Get it?
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
How can you expect anyone to carry more than 1m when you have Tom Carter playing inside of you? How many ball touches did Horne receive? 4. 11m / touch isn't too bad in my books.
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
The reason behind Horne missing tackles early in 2012 SR is due to changing his tackling technique to prevent injury. When he debuted, he was renowned for his big hits, but he has matured, makes the big hits, and will be able to for a loooooooong time.
mania
Guest
that's not egg JP, that's hypocrisy. rich coming from deans. so now that u read what deans has said,now do u believe in the legend that is stGeorge the lion slayer?
Sage
Guest
The hint is purple John. The rest you'll have to work out yourself. Sage has a number of contexts and I can't help it if my remarks are considered "sage" by some and hence draw a conclusion :)
JDP
Roar Guru
If you are so shallow, why call yourself Sage?
JDP
Roar Guru
Wow Mania. Egg on face. Turns out Deans didnt end Smith's career. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/smith-urged-to-rethink-retiring-and-play-until-next-world-cup-20130704-2pewj.html
Sage
Guest
So is "yerms of riposte and fait cop" Latin or Italian? I'm sure it makes sense to a really deep thinker like you but I am shallow as you can read. Actually, "fait cop" I think I vaguely recognise but I think it was in a Greek movie.
Justin3
Guest
Oh dear, wow. Some staggering comments, just classic zigzag.
Justin3
Guest
Again I'd suggest you look at how much ten he has played at club level and how well he has played also. He has rarely been first choice ten with a full squad, for good reason. The rebels have done better without him at ten
roardog
Guest
gill didn,t make the play of the match mowen spoiled the throw gill caught it
roardog
Guest
mowen spoiled
John
Guest
Well said Bozo. Many of us preferred Toomua but CL was ahead last year before injury. We also like CL at 12. So what does Deans do? Pick a 10-12 rookie combination? I honestly think he would have played Beale at 10 if not for the issues. The EOYT should be huge with CL, Toomua, Kyle Godwin, Cummins, Mogg, AAC. They are building genuine depth.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
McCalman should be sweeping chimneys... not donning Gold Jerseys
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
Don't lose faith clan. Hopefully Palu, McCalman and Phipps beat each other unconscious before kickoff so some decent players can step up a la Kimlin, MMM and White. While we're at it - ham fisted Beale & JOC eat some not so fresh seafood and Dingo sleeps through his alarm. problem solved !
jeznez
Roar Guru
You and I chatted about it after the Tahs v Force with the Wallabies out. The For e scrum was much weaker when MMM moved to lock. I've seen good and bad from Ma'afu at scrum time. I'm forming an opinion that the locks are the major determinant in him reaching parity or not. His mobility makes Robinson look like a hard worker though so I still wouldn't have him in the Wallabies but I think he is a better scrummager than he gets credit for.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Jez Ma'afu has been shunted around all year. Holmes, for example was giving him all sorts of problems when he had MMM behind him.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Salesi Ma'afu can hold a scrum up and Kieran Longbottom is ok at it as well. That they manage parity in most matches while having relatively week locks speaks volumes about their ability. Not saying I'd have them in the squad. I'd be picking the props exactly as they are being picked in Palmers absence.
bozo
Guest
expathack; you may be wanting the Wallabies to win but a lot of contributors are death riding the Wallabies. The simple reality is that there is a limited pool of players. Deans appears to have recognised this with his selections. The pool is particularly shallow at 10. My preference from the start of the season would be to play Toomua at 10. But I am not the national coach and do not have my job on the line. Easy for me to express a preference but I am not going to vilify the coach or the team.