The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been named in the Crusaders starting lineup for the first time this season.
McCaw will also captain the side agains the Western Force in Perth, on Saturday night with Kieran Read being rested.
The match will also be his first start of the season after suffering a stress fracture in his foot.
He came off the bench against the Chiefs two weeks ago but then missed the Crusaders last round loss to the Highlanders with a bruised foot.
McCaw will start at number eight subject to coming through the Crusaders training in Perth this afternoon unscathed.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made several other changes to the side from last week, among them Sonny Bill Williams returns to second five eight and Corey Flynn and Ben Franks come in at hooker and prop respectively.
Luke Romano starts at lock in place of the injured Brad Thorn.
First five Dan Carter is still out with a hamstring injury.
