George Smith has been selected for the Wallabies ahead of the third test against the Lions in Sydney on Saturday.

It's the flankers' first test match since 2009 and coach Robbie Deans says he's picking the 32 year old because of his combination of experience and fresh legs, Michael Hooper is dropped to the bench in the only change.

Team in full

Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Leali'ifano, Joe Tomane, James O'Connor, Will Genia; Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Ben Mowen, James Horwill (captain), Kane Douglas, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.          

Reserves: Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Jesse Mogg.