David Pocock, all of 21 and with just two Tests starts under his belt, is fully aware of the responsibility he has in assuming the Wallabies's No.7 jumper that George Smith has made virtually his own for the best part of a decade.

"It's pretty big shoes to fill," Pocock said ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks in Tokyo.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's obviously a massive challenge personally and as a team.

"We haven't performed that well against them all year so this is an opportunity and it's exciting. We've had a good three weeks' preparation."

As if the task isn't tough enough already, Pocock will be lining up against none other than New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, arguably the most influential player in world rugby.

"George Smith and Richie McCaw are the benchmark No.7s since I can remember, so they're probably the two guys that I've looked to and looked at their games," Pocock said.

"For both of George and I, it's a different role this week and he'll come on at some stage and definitely bring all of his experience. The way he plays the game, whether he's starting or on the bench, he's still got a role to play."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans opted to start Pocock ahead of Smith believing the subtle differences in their playing styles will work better for the team.

Deans said Pocock - who Australian assistant coach Jim Williams this week likened to Springboks pocket rocket Heinrich Brussow - played soundly in the Wallabies' last-up 33-6 loss to the All Blacks in Wellington in an "unsupported way".

Pocock says it's easy to perform for Deans.

"I really enjoy the way he coaches and his communication is very good, getting his ideas across to the players," he said.

"The training he keeps pretty fresh and he's always introducing new ideas, which is really good when you're together for a long period of time.

"So even though he probably hasn't got the results he's been after this year, I think he's definitely beginning to ingrain in guys the different way of playing and we're enjoying and looking forward to the opportunity of this tour."

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