KEY POINTS:
George Smith, in the form of his life, doesn't mind that Richie McCaw is rated the world's best flanker but don't suggest the All Blacks skipper is rugby's most influential player.
Smith will stare straight back and rank long-time Wallabies and Brumbies teammate Stephen Larkham out on his own as the most crucial player to a team's success.
It's hard to argue even though Larkham, 33, is in the twilight of his career and preparing to hang up his test boots after the World Cup in France.
While many see McCaw as the world's best in any position, Smith firmly believes the 102-test five-eighth's presence is more important to his test and Super 14 sides than McCaw's.
"I wouldn't say (McCaw) is the most influential," Smith said.
"I would say Stephen Larkham is for mine.
"Whenever I play alongside him and then in teams Stephen Larkham is not involved in, you can definitely tell the difference.
"I think he's a great player and I enjoy playing alongside him, maybe it's because I'm familiar with him.
"His reputation is built by consistently great football throughout his career."
Australia's international results over the past three seasons back up Smith's assessment, with the Wallabies winning just two of the eight tests Larkham has missed - one of which was this year's Sydney escape act against a second-string Wales.
Brumbies fans have also felt their team's Super 14 hopes have lived and died by Larkham's bandaged-up frame.
It was no coincidence coach Laurie Fisher's team narrowly missed the semifinals in the past three seasons when the veteran playmaker was often sidelined.
Wales defence coach Rowland Phillips has no doubts Larkham presents as the Red Dragons' biggest threat in Sunday morning's (NZT) key pool B match in Cardiff.
"His decision making is always spot on and he just seems to get better with age," Phillips said.
"He's not only a danger by himself, but he brings the best out of the guys around him."
Larkham has just a maximum six more tests left and Smith's comments highlight the huge hole Australian rugby needs to fill.
His partnership with halfback George Gregan now stands at 78 tests, 25 more than the next most experienced inside back combination (Italians Diego Dominguez and Alessandro Troncon).
Smith, himself, is powering on to a record of his own at the World Cup, needing just five more tests to eclipse predecessor David Wilson (79) as the game's most capped flanker.
The 27-year-old agrees he's in career-best form after keeping vice-captain Phil Waugh out of the starting 15 for five successive games.
"Definitely, yes. In the Super 14 I've definitely had a great year, I've enjoyed it," he said.
"And with the training leading into this World Cup I definitely feel I'm playing some really good football."
- AAP
