George Smith would be highly unlikely to come into Brumbies squad for David Pocock

THE chances of George Smith repeating his Brumbies rescue mission of 2013 are almost zero, according to his management team.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: George Smith of the Brumbies acknowledges the crowd after the Super Rugby Qualifying Final match between the Brumbies and the Cheetahs at Canberra Stadium on July 21, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

THE chances of George Smith re-attaching his Superman cape for another Brumbies rescue mission are almost zero, according to his management team.

A potentially serious knee injury to David Pocock for the second straight season has seen Smith’s name thrown up as a possible replacement, after the 33-year-old stepped in last season for exactly the same reason.

Pocock’s future remains uncertain, with the Brumbies doctor flying to Brisbane on Wednesday to discuss the damage to the flanker’s left knee; which underwent a full reconstruction last year.

It is believed the damage, sustained in the Brumbies’ win over the Force at the weekend, is on the site of a graft. The best case scenario is a small tear that doesn’t require surgery and would see him out for 6-8 weeks.News_Rich_Media: Daily Telegraphy rugby union reporter Iain Payten talks to Fox Sports about David Pocock’s worrying knee injury and what it means for the Wallabies.

Anything worse would likely require surgery, and see Pocock sidelined for a second straight season.

In the event of bad news for Pocock, the option of sending another S.O.S to Smith was floated in Canberra media but his manager Lee Abrahams said there appeared little chance the 110-Test legend stepping into the breach again.

“We’ve had no communication from the Brumbies and nor has George,” Abrahams said.

“We think it highly unlikely that he would end up playing again down there, being that we’ve just agreed to sign a new contract with Lyon.”

Given Smith’s oft-stated love of the Brumbies and the “knowing George” clause, Abrahams stopped short of ruling out a final Canberra fling for the no.7, who arrives back in Australia from Japan next week.

But even if he was keen, there appears little scope for a short-term Brumbies deal due to Smith’s scheduled break and an impending move of his family to France.News_Rich_Media: ACT Brumbies must prepare for the worst as David Pocock could potentially face another long stint on the bench after re-injuring the knee that saw him ruled out last season.

After an exhausting 18 months of non-stop rugby for Smith, another Super Rugby stint would not be as well received by the French club as it might by his Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.

Smith returned to Brumbies after a full Japanese season this time last year, and not only extended his minimum wage deal to play through to the Super Rugby final, but was drafted back to the Wallabies for the British and Irish Lions tour as well.

He then began a new Japanese season with Suntory in August, which has only just finished.

It is understood Smith will have a long-planned break with family in Sydney before they pack up and head to France as early as May, ahead of the French pre-season.

Smith with link up with former Manly coach Tim Lane at division two club Lyon on a two-year deal.

Brumbies coaching director Laurie Fisher said this morning the option of sending another S.O.S to Smith had not been discussed.