And while the Brumbies are launching their bid to make the Super Rugby finals for the first time in almost a decade, Deans is standing firm that the Wallabies are top priority this year.

Brumbies and Wallabies great Smith will make his Super Rugby comeback when he plays from the bench against the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

His surprise return after a two-year absence has sparked talk he could be selected to play for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions in June. However, his short-term deal in Canberra expires after the clash with the Wellington Hurricanes on May 31 - three weeks before the Lions tour begins.

Former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones and captain George Gregan backed Smith to add to his 110-Test cap tally. But with Pocock, Michael Hooper and Liam Gill fit and firing, Deans was adamant Smith, 32, was not a consideration for Test duties.

''It's great to see George back … he will be superb for the Brumbies group to have the opportunity to prepare and play alongside him.

''But it's a short-term contract. There's no point second guessing, he's not a possibility for us now.

''Hopefully we don't need [to investigate Smith's return]; right now it's not an option. I'd rather chase realities.''

Smith hasn't played in Australia since the end of 2010. He has spent the past two years playing in France and Japan. Smith has said he was not considering a Wallabies return until he finds his feet back in Super Rugby, but Brumbies coach Jake White has no doubt the veteran will have an immediate impact.

After just one week training with his new teammates, White will give Smith game time off the bench but is undecided how to use the versatile forward in the back row. While Deans doesn't want to consider recalling Smith, his presence will boost Australian rugby by ensuring Pocock is fit for the Lions tour.

For the first time in Pocock's career, he won't have to be an 80-minute player. Smith is more than capable of relieving the Wallabies skipper of his duties in Canberra and pending form, fatigue and injuries, they could spend time together on the field or even be rotated in and out of the starting XV.

''It's a potent combination … It will be great to see them back together, you'll see them driving each other and it will give David some respite,'' Deans said

The Brumbies' impressive start to the season is helping some of their rising stars push their claims for Wallabies honours.

Christian Lealiifano, Matt Toomua and Nic White are emerging on the selection radar.

But Deans has indicated proven Test players could have the edge for the squad to take on the Lions.

He will also call a 25-man squad into a camp before the series begins, which means some Brumbies will be unavailable to take on the Melbourne Rebels on June 7.