Smith set to start in Sydney

Australia are set to start veteran George Smith on the flank for the deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday.

Australia are set to start George Smith on the openside for the deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Smith, who is returning from a knee injury, trained on the openside for the Wallabies on Tuesday, adding weight to him replacing Michael Hooper.

That would see Hooper dropping to the bench and Reds man Liam Gill falling out of the match 23 altogether, as Australia look to win the series.

It also seems, if reports in Australia are to be believed, that the Wallabies will opt for a 6-2 split on the bench, with Ben McCalman helping to cover the back-row alongside Hooper. Jesse Mogg is also likely to be retained in the replacements while Australia will name an unchanged starting backline for the clash.

“I'm very excited at the moment,” he McCalman.

“It's been a very enjoyable past four weeks helping the boys prepare but this week I get the opportunity to make an impact on game day, so I'm looking forward to it.”