Former Wallaby Owen Finegan says George Smith's inclusion can kickstart an Australian fightback against Lions

UNLEASHING George Smith as a shock Test starter on Saturday night can energise a series-swinging fightback against the British and Irish Lions.

UNLEASHING George Smith as a shock Test starter on Saturday night can energise a series-swinging fightback just as he did 12 years ago against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne.

That's the powerful opinion of Owen Finegan, Smith's Lion-slaying backrow partner of 2001, who is adamant Wallabies coach Robbie Deans must be brave enough to maximise all of Smith's expertise and experience from 110 Tests.

"There was confidence about Izzy Folau having a big debut Test last weekend because he's a big game player with X-factor. George has those same traits and he'll play like a genius in this Test. Start him," Finegan said yesterday.

Former Wallaby flankers Simon Poidevin, David Wilson and David Croft believe the smarter move is to inject Smith's abrasive and opportunistic skills as a flanker from the bench behind young gun Michael Hooper.

All agree with 79-Test flanker Phil Waugh that Smith must play a sizeable chunk of the Test to spread his game-breaking influence rather than just a 10-minute cameo.

"Just having George in camp is a huge plus because he's an iconic warrior who feeds confidence and desire in those around him," former World Cup-winner Poidevin said.

"Hooper did extremely well in the first Test. I think the right thing is to bring George off the bench. His versatility works because he can cover Hooper, replace Wycliff Palu when he tires or play No.6."

Hooper agreed that Smith, his idol as a kid, was far more than just a new name on a squad sheet.

"It helps the squad massively not just me as a No. 7," Hooper said of Smith, a dreadlocked whirlwind in the 35-14 victory that turned the 2001 series under the same closed roof at Etihad Stadium.

"His experience is crucial in these games ... he's been here before. It does put the pressure on because you want to keep the jersey but most of all it's good to have him around," Hooper said.

Croft believes Smith is the Aussie forward the Lions least want to face.

"I'd have George on even before half-time from the bench. He's so confrontational and the nuisance who can really frustrate the Lions because they hate it when they don't get an easy flow of ball," Croft said.

According to Waugh, just reintroducing Smith to the Aussie camp for the past three days after being away from the Wallabies for more than three years will have had a marked effect already.

"George's involvement this week is critical because his presence gives confidence and energy to guys in the squad plus the history of being part of that 2001 series when the Wallabies turned it around from 1-0 down," Waugh said.

Finegan said he was proud to have played beside Smith when the Wallabies turned around the 2001 series with a 35-14 second Test victory in Melbourne.

"Michael Hooper is a fantastic young footballer and 50 Tests from now you might start some comparisons. Right now, George just breeds confidence in the guys around him," Finegan added.