Dan Carter will start at inside centre in one of 10 changes for the Crusaders' match against the Lions in Christchurch.
Carter has not played since injuring his lower right leg against the Rebels on 13 February.
In other changes to the backs, Andy Ellis will start at scrumhalf, with Nemani Nadolo set to play his first Vodacom Super Rugby game of 2015 on the left wing, with Johnny McNicholl on the right.
Among the forwards, Kieran Read will play at No 8, with Jordan Taufua moving to 6 and Richie McCaw to 7.
Sam Whitelock will pair up with Luke Romano in the second row, and Scott Barrett will provide cover from the bench.
Owen Franks returns at tighthead prop after serving his two-week suspension.
Crusaders – 15 Tom Taylor, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Kieron Fonotia, 23 David Havili.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
