Smith will continue to push his bid for a Test recall and a chance to add to his 110 Wallabies caps when ACT takes on Canterbury at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

Deans will be in the crowd when Smith plays his 137th match for the Brumbies, breaking George Gregan's club record.

But the hot topic is his eligibility for the Wallabies and a chance to play against the Lions despite also still having a contract to play for Suntory in Japan.

Deans said Smith's contribution to Australian rugby and more than a decade of service meant he deserved special dispensation.

''There are always angst around selections … but our task is to select what we believe will be the best group to get the job done,'' he said on Saturday.

''There's no guarantees in that, including a bloke like George … there's been some comment around precedent, but for me it can only be a good precedent.

''It sends a message to the playing group that if you play 100 Tests for your country, you get treated differently and I don't see a problem with that.''

Smith is eligible to play for Australia under ARU rules because he has committed to a full Super Rugby season with the Brumbies, despite also being contracted to Suntory.

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has raised concerns that selecting Smith to take on the Lions would set a dangerous precedent for players to move overseas and would also rob rising stars Michael Hooper and Liam Gill of a rare opportunity against the Lions. The ARU is still working with

Suntory to gain insurance clearance for Smith to take part in the Lions three-Test series.

The 32-year-old initially signed a short-term deal with the Brumbies, which was due to expire at the end of this month.

But a season-ending injury to flanker David Pocock led to Smith committing for the remainder of the regular season and any potential finals campaign for the Brumbies.

That makes him eligible for Wallabies selection given he will play all but two of the Brumbies' games this year.

Brumbies coach Jake White caused a stir on Friday by suggesting that selecting Israel Folau in the Wallabies squad would be an ''indictment'' on Australian rugby because he hasn't made a long-term committment.

Smith hasn't committed long-term either. This season will be his last in Super Rugby and he will not be available for the Wallabies in the Rugby Championships or end-of-year spring tour of Europe.

Pocock, who was heir to Smith's throne in 2010, endorsed Smith as the man to fill the No.7 jersey for the Lions series.

Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen says the selection issue was ''black and white''.

''I see no reason why there shouldn't be special dispensation for Smith, and as far as I'm concerned the rules are black and white,'' Mowen said. ''He's played the entire year in Australia and he qualifies, as simple as that.

''But even if he didn't, I'd just let him play. He's done enough for Australia, he's given great service and has been an outstanding player, there has to be the ability to make those judgment calls when they come up.''

Deans will name his squad for the Lions tour on May 19.