The ARU would simply, and there i no other way of putting this, fucking barking mad if they don't do everything possible to get Smith playing in this series. Hooper and Gill are excellent, and YES Smith terrorised the Lions last time they were here, as a 20 year old. However, we took a punt on him then, because Wilson was getting on and there wasn't much else around. Fortunately, he carved up and was one of our best.
Gill and Hooper will of course be in the squad, and should get plenty of game time each, and you could argue that they are older than Smith was last time, and will only get this chance once so should be given it. But for fuck sake, its George Smith, and he's in arguably better form than when he left. We're severely lacking for experienced, test proven, COOL heads to help guide us through and get our youngsters firing. His experience, calmness, aura and pure ability should make him literally the first player picked if its possible.
Eddie Jones would pull every string he has to get Smith playing, all we have to do is sign him to a 6 month contract with a get-out clause that Smith could enact as soon as the Lions tour is over.