Tri-Nations

All Black skipper Richie McCaw believes concerns raised over the pitch at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne are simply a case of 'much ado about nothing', with the openside flank describing the surface as "good as gold".

The pitch has received criticism for its supposed slippery and dangerous surface, but after having a chance to have a close look at it, McCaw isn't too bothered.

"I think it's been a lot of talk about not much. It's obviously not the best I've played on but I think it'll be good as gold," he told NZPA.

Australian Football League clubs have threatened to boycott the venue unless they are guaranteed a firmer footing, but the All Blacks will wear boots with traditional studs, footwear not used by AFL players.

The New Zealand captain says that it should be no problem for a game of rugby, and insists that it is certainly not the worst surface his side has encountred.

"Two big forward packs pushing the scrum might tear it up a little bit but I'm picking it'll be OK.

"The AFL guys do different things in a game compared to us. They might have an idea why they're moaning about it.

"I've played in mud up to the ankles before, you just get on with it."

McCaw said the surface appeared similar to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, another roofed stadium hampered by a lack of natural light.

"Having a roof over is the down side, you don't get the sunlight to get the roots down or whatever," McCaw said.

Like his counterpart, Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom also drew a parallel with Welsh rugby headquarters.

"At the end of the year when we play at Millennium it's usually mud painted green," said Elsom.

"So it's far better out there on Etihad."