Smith tweaked a hamstring at training on Thursday and wasn't risked, leaving him to sit on the sideline at Forsyth Barr Stadium and watch his team nab a bonus point win against the winless Rebels.
Smith's injury isn't serious - he could return to play the Blues at home next Saturday night - and meant Matt Faddes started at fullback and Tei Walden shuffled into the match-day 23.
Up 20-0 with only 25 minutes on the clock against a lethargic and error riddled outfit from Melbourne, the game was as good as over.
