Experienced All Black centre Conrad Smith will not play in the Rugby Championship clash with the Wallabies in Sydney as he has returned home to be with his pregnant wife.

Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty has been called into the squad as cover.

The All Blacks are yet to say who will play at centre, but there is a chance Malakai Fekitoa could be promoted from the bench for his second start.

The All Blacks will play the Wallabies at 10.05pm tomorrow.