Western Force coach Michael Foley says the selection battle between veteran George Smith and Liam Gill for the No.7 jersey is neck-and-neck heading into the Wallabies’ series against the British and Irish Lions.
The Wallabies were dealt a huge blow in March when star pilferer David Pocock suffered a season-ending knee injury.
But with Smith, Queensland’s Gill and the Waratahs’ Michael Hooper all in hot form, the Wallabies have an embarrassment of riches at openside flanker.
Foley said the selection battle between Smith and Gill was particularly interesting.
“It’s neck and neck,” Foley said.
“George Smith has great experience. His record speaks for itself.
“But I’ve been incredibly impressed with Gill this year. I thought Gill showed a lot of talent last year and a lot of very exciting moments. What you’ve seen this year is a body of work from him that’s a step up.”
Foley said Force skipper Matt Hodgson also deserved credit for his big efforts this season.
“He’s been enormous in the amount of work he’s done for us this year,” Foley said.
“And Chris Alcock is often forgotten in terms of up and comers, but that’s purely because Chris didn’t come through the academy system and play under-19s and under-20s.
“But Chris is a fine player, and I do think there are a handful of guys in Australia at No.7 who are either world class or approaching that standard.”
The Wallabies play three Tests against the Lions, with the first taking place in Brisbane on June 22.