Flanker George Smith said today he is fit to play in the Second Test despite his club coach’s gloomy prediction last week.
The 110-cap Test veteran missed out on the original Wallabies squad due to a knee problem and ACT Brumbies coach Jake White has suggested he would only play in the Third Test at best.
However, Smith has been called up as cover after Australia suffered a series of injuries in the First Test defeat and has no qualms about being thrown into the action in Melbourne this week.
That would cap an impressive turnaround for Smith, who retired from international rugby in 2010 but has been on the verge of a recall after returning to the Super 15 this season following a spell abroad.
The 32-year-old said: “I wouldn’t have accepted the invitation to be here if the knee wasn’t ready. The past five weeks I’ve had quite an intense training programme. I’m ready to go if given the opportunity to play. I feel like the time off has been a blessing in disguise. I feel mentally refreshed.”
Smith was reluctant to reminisce too much about Australia’s 2-1 series win 12 years ago, when he helped them overhaul the Lions after losing the opening match.
Asked how the tours differed, Smith quipped: “The tight jerseys, the fashion has changed — and the shorts as well.
“The players are making their own history and, hopefully, they can do it and win this weekend.”
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