George Smith aims to settle a score when he breaks friend George Gregan’s record for the most Brumbies Super Rugby caps against his old foes the Crusaders on Sunday.

The two sides met in three Super Rugby grand finals early in champion flanker Smith’s career, with the men from Canterbury getting the wood over the Brumbies two to one.

And there’s added motivation for Smith in his milestone 137th game for the Canberra-based franchise as the Crusaders beat them to claim the last finals spot in 2010.

“My last game with the Brumbies before coming back was against the Crusaders in Christchurch and I didn’t achieve that last goal that I wanted to get, and it was a loss, so I’d like to get a win against them,” said 32-year-old Smith on Tuesday.

“We’ve always had huge rivalries with them over the years and I expect no different.”

Having made his debut in 2000, Smith will move to fourth on the all-time Super Rugby capped players’ list behind only fellow Test greats Nathan Sharpe (162), Keven Mealamu (141) and former Brumbies teammate Stirling Mortlock (139), who finished his career at the Melbourne Rebels.

He said he didn’t think he could claim Gregan’s record upon returning to the Brumbies on a short-term deal in 2013 as he expected to be on the bench behind Wallabies star David Pocock, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in round two.

“To have that massive blow for the Brumbies was unfortunate, but to get as many minutes as I have and to play reasonable football … I’m really enjoying the time I’m here,” Smith said.

“To pass George Gregan, who has been a close friend and also a mentor of mine, I’m very pleased to reach this milestone.”

Such has been the form of a revitalised Smith that he has become a frontrunning contender for the Wallabies’ openside flanker spot to take on the British and Irish Lions in June and July.

Smith reiterated his desire to play in that series, but said there had been no major developments after he had personally expressed his interest to Wallabies coach Robbie Deans following his side’s 19-19 draw to the Queensland Reds on April 20.

“My (Japanese) club Suntory has been fantastic to give clearance with the Brumbies (for the rest of the season),” Smith said.

“Clearance for the Wallabies hasn’t been given yet, but to play in the Lions series is a huge occasion.

“(Suntory) do understand I have a desire to play at a higher level and obviously they may take that into consideration.”