THE bold recall of veteran flanker George Smith to the gold no.7 has been hailed by leading Wallaby figures as a "masterstroke" with the potential to lift Australia to a series triumph against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

The contrasting fortunes of the only active survivors of the 2001 Lions series couldn't have been starker yesterday, when news of Brian O'Driscoll's shock dumping for the decider was followed by the Daily Telegraph's revelations Smith had won a stunning call-up to the Wallabies side.

His selection was confirmed this morning, with the official release of the Wallabies team listing him at No.7.

Despite only returning last week from a six-week knee injury, Smith has been picked almost four years after his last game in gold in 2009.

Smith's return will see Michael Hooper return to the bench, and Liam Gill be unluckily squeezed out of the squad, but Deans' side appears one of the strongest he's ever fielded in six years.

Smith is the only change to last week's starting XV, but Deans has beefed up his bench with a forwards-heavy 6-2 split including versatile forward Ben McCalman.

"The decision to go with George in no way reflects any dissatisfaction with the way either Michael or Liam have played,'' coach Robbie Deans said in a statement today.

"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.''

O'DRISCOLL A SHOCK OMISSION

The veteran flanker, who turns 33 next week, will play his 111th and final Test at ANZ Stadium, and become the first Australian to play in successive Lions series under the current 12-year cycle.

The bold Smith selection was last night hailed by some of the flanker's self-confessed mentors and ex-teammates.

Former Wallaby halfback George Gregan, who played in the 2001 series with a 20-year-old Smith, said his old friend would shine.

"It's fantastic for George, and obviously the team as well," Gregan said.

"I don't know any more influential players in rugby, he's a magical talent, and his presence will be a massive shot in the arm for the Wallabies."

"He and Richie McCaw are guys who never play below 8/10, and every so often transcend everyone else on a field."

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Former Wallabies and Brumbies coach Eddie Jones said Smith's presence could tip the Test match.

"He's a once-in-a-lifetime player," Jones said.

"George will contest the breakdown fiercely, and after Australia left tries on the field in the first two Tests, I think his link work in attack will be important for the Wallabies.

"The best thing is he'll lift all players around him. I wouldn't be surprised if Cliffy Palu is the best player on the field, with George next to him."

Former Wallaby hooker Brendan Cannon said: "It's an absolute masterstroke by Robbie Deans. He's hands-down one of the greatest players I ever had the pleasure to play with or against, and indeed, watch."

Smith's almost accidental return to the Wallabies only came after returning to Australian rugby this year from Japan on an 12-week injury cover contract for the Brumbies. His form was still so strong he was due to be picked by Deans in the Lions squad, but a serious medial ligament injury was suffered on tour eve and supposed to require a 3-month recovery. He was back training with Australia after 6 weeks.

After an inglorious exit in 2009, Jones said he was pleased Smith had the chance to finish his career on Saturday with a fitting hero's farewell with a second Lions series win.

That same chance - albeit for his first win - was taken from O'Driscoll yesterday, when the 34-year-old was dropped by Warren Gatland for the first time in 133 Tests and four Lions tours.

Jones said the decision was the right one, given the Irish veteran had been "struggling".

"Defensively he's been good but age just takes away that attacking spark. He's looked out of sorts," Jones said.

But Gregan admitted the O'Driscoll axing came as a shock.

"That's a big call. He knows big Test rugby inside out and knows how to win," Gregan said. "I know he'd be absolutely desperate to win this game, so yes, that's a bit of a surprise to me."

Cannon said the O'Driscoll dumping and the installation of ten Wales players in the Lions side could potentially prove disruptive in the tourists' camp.

"To bring in ten Wales players - who haven't beaten the Wallabies in years - and leave out such an iconic player, who is revered by his teammates, is a massive call by Gatland," Cannon said.

"I am sure behind closed doors it could have the potential to create disquiet among the Lions squad. He is a big an icon in the game as they come."

WALLABIES TEAM TO PLAY THE LIONS

1. Benn Robinson.

2. Stephen Moore

3. Ben Alexander

4. James Horwill ©

5. Kane Douglas

6. Ben Mowen

7. George Smith

8. Wycliff Palu

9. Will Genia

10. James O’Connor

11. Joe Tomane

12. Christian Lealiifano

13. Adam Ashley-Cooper

14. Israel Folau

15. Kurtley Beale

Reserves

16. Saia Faingaa

17. James Slippper

18. Sekope Kepu

19. Rob Simmons

20. Ben McCalman

21. Michael Hooper

22. Nick Phipps

23. Jesse Mogg

Originally published as Smith call-up a 'masterstroke'