Smith may get longer ACT loan, unclear on Lions

Veteran flanker George Smith may get a longer loan from Japan to the ACT Brumbies, coach Jack White said Monday, but it was unclear if he would be available for Australia during this year's Lions tour.

White said he met with Smith's Japanese club coaches in Dunedin after the experienced backrower once again impressed in the Brumbies' 30-19 Super 15 victory over New Zealand's Otago Highlanders last Friday.

The 110-Test great forced a a turnover that led to an early penalty goal and scored a try off the back of a rolling maul before half-time.

White said the two Suntory Sungoliath coaches were receptive, adding that their primary concern was that Smith needed to be fresh for the start of the Japanese season on August 18. "Don't forget they love the fact that Suntory get some mileage and Japanese rugby gets some mileage," White told Australian Associated Press.

"So I'm sure if we find a way in which we can keep him fresh and give him enough time to play and make sure he's 100 percent ready for their season... I'm sure that they would look at accommodating us."

AFP