Richie McCaw is surprised by George Smith's omission from the Wallabies side © Getty Images

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All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has questioned the omission of Test centurion George Smith from the Wallabies side that will contest a Bledisloe Cup Test in Tokyo on Saturday.

McCaw has had plenty of battles with Smith over the years but will now focus his attentions on Western Force openside David Pocock. The Wallabies haven't beaten the All Blacks for 15 months, since McCaw's injury absence was keenly felt in a Sydney defeat, and coach Robbie Deans has duly shuffled his pack.

"That is a bit different. He's played 100-odd tests and I don't think there's ever been a time when I've played the Wallabies he hasn't been there," McCaw said. "It surprised me a little bit that he's not out there. I really rate him highly and the things he does around the field often aren't seen.

"He's a pretty smart footballer and he's got a lot of influence over what happens in games. I guess we'll see him during the game. It's probably a good thing for us."

Smith lead Australia in their last Test, a 33-6 thumping by McCaw's men at Westpac Stadium, but has slipped on to the bench as Rocky Elsom prepares for his first game as skipper. Australia's 76th Test captain is hoping for a winning start and a strong performance as they prepare for a Grand Slam tour attempt.

"We don't want to think they're that far ahead of us, no matter what we say, it's what we do," Elsom said. "You'll know at the end of the game how far ahead of us they are and whether or not they've turned the knife in us.

"The performance is crucial. If you want to be leading guys, you want to be playing well and reinforcing the value that you're trying to promote within the team. That's very important, but there's not always a necessity to talk a lot on the field.

"We've prepared well, so that takes away the need for that at times. Of course there are some times you want to say a few things but you've got to be careful and choose your words well because you can only take so much in when you're on the field."