George Smith is hopeful he can force his way back into the Wallaby side in time to face the British & Irish Lions in June.
Smith is currently contracted to Japanese champions Suntory Sungoliath but has returned to Australian shores to play with the Brumbies on a short -term deal during the Japanese off-season.
The 32-year-old has now revealed that he is hoping to add to his 110 Test caps when the British Lions tour Down Under, despite having last turned out for the Wallabies in 2009.
"George Gregan's done it all and Eddie Jones is a mentor of mine, their opinion I do take on board, and if I was considered for the Wallabies I'd definitely think about it because it is such a huge occasion," Smith told Fox Sports' Rugby HQ.
"But first and foremost I have to earn my spot within the Brumbies."
The flanker explained that the primary reason behind his return was to challenge himself after two years in Japan.
"It was presented to me a little while ago, a few weeks back," he said of the opportunity to return to the Brumbies.
"I obviously had time to think about it and I thought it would be a good way to test myself in the Super Rugby arena, and I'm excited about the challenge.
"I've had two good seasons at Suntory Sungoliath and I think this will definitely test me."
Comments
markpat says...
@ rugby_rockstar - not even comparable to the Wilkinson discussion. Wilkinson is playing like one the best tens in Europe at the moment, Smith isn'r playing Super Rugby at all.
The Lions only have 2 legitimate options at fly half, so have a valid need for a third option.
Australia have 3 world class 7s available to them - Hooper, Pocock & Gill.
Posted 14:18 07th March 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
This is the Australian mirror imagine of the Wilkinson debate. Rugby Legend who's past his sell by date getting the rose tinted treatment from the canny media.
I'm my veiw, with everyone being fit, its just not going to happen for either of 'em. And it shouldn't really. What's it say and Australian, British and Irish rugby if these guys are the best available???
Posted 12:24 06th March 2013
NHsaints says...
Well...he's old and clearly a little out of shape but give him the season and we might see him at 6 or 8 in the gold, there's no-one really sticking up their hand as a 6 for Australia at the moment bar Quirk and the Wallabies always need more quality ball carriers in the backrow even with Samo, Hooper (or is it hopper?) and Pocock in the backrow they've got a hell of alot of pace but for grit there's no-one really about.
Posted 19:17 04th March 2013
kiwilad says...
The one position Aus do not struggle for depth is 7 at present.
Be very lucky to even be considdered.
Posted 12:02 04th March 2013
ferdie says...
next . . . Nathan Sharp, George Gregan?
Posted 06:43 02nd March 2013
Chubbylugs says...
He was the best fetcher the game has seen IMHO.
Posted 10:04 01st March 2013
leinster_goy says...
terrorised the B&I Lions in the 3rd test in 2001 but let's face it, his best days are behind him
Posted 08:28 01st March 2013
Centre12 says...
Absoute legend coming from a "pom", would be great to see blokes from the last Aus Vs Lions, BOD, Wilkinson and Smithy all feature in this Tour, if Smithy doesn't make the aussie squad then surely he would still be in line to represent ACT in the warm up games.
Posted 07:14 01st March 2013