Michael Hooper's excellent form has some calling for him to take over as Aussie captain.

Waratahs captain Michael Hooper's outstanding Super Rugby form is earning him high praise.

So high, ESPN Scrum writer Greg Growden has drawn comparisons between Hooper and former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

Growden believes the Australian flanker is starting to resemble McCaw in crucial areas, including how he dictates his team's direction and how he manipulates referees.

PHOTOSPORT Michael Hooper's ability to manipulate referees has earned him a comparison with Richie McCaw, pictured talking to Wayne Barnes.

"There were few better rugby skippers than McCaw, the ultimate rugby leader in matching on-field dominance with an ability to inspire, defend and represent his teammates in every circumstance, good or bad," Growden wrote.

"He also irritated opposing teams and their followers for supposedly being allowed to get away with far too much. This master pilferer was a genius at keeping the referee on side.

READ MORE

* Messam: Hamilton will turn it on

* Rasmussen: Goodbye 7s, good luck Hamilton

* Wellington leaders welcome loss of Sevens

* Hamilton would 'screw up' Sevens

CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES Waratahs captain Michael Hooper bolts past Queensland Reds first-five eighth Quade Cooper in round ten of this year's Super Rugby competition.

"Hooper is steadily rising to that McCaw level of excellence, to the extent I would have no hesitation in taking the Wallabies leadership off the out-of-form Stephen Moore right now and giving it to the Waratahs skipper, so that he has two good seasons to properly prepare himself as Australia's captain at the next Rugby World Cup."

Growden went on to call Hooper Australia's standout performer during this year's Super Rugby competition, and reiterating he was ready to lead Australia now.

Despite Hooper's play, the Waratahs have only won four of their 11 games and are second behind the Brumbies in the Australian conference.

However, they're coming off a big win against the Rebels and have a chance to end Australia's winless run against Kiwi franchises this season on Saturday night, when they play the streaking Highlanders in Dunedin.

The Waratahs head to Hamilton to play the Chiefs next weekend.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Wallaby great George Smith said he will happily represent Australia again, but only if he wasn't preventing the development of the next generation.

"I'd never turn my back on Australia," Smith told reporters in Brisbane on Monday.

"I would never, I guess, refuse one if it was on the right circumstances.

"If Michael Cheika and the selectors have players who can fill the void, I'd rather he picked those players.

"I wouldn't turn my back on it, but at the same time if he's there to develop players in my position, I'd prefer he pick those players because they deserve the opportunity."