All Black first five-eighth Dan Carter will make his first start of the Super 15 season after being named in the Crusaders lineup for Sunday morning's clash against the Lions in Johannesburg.
Carter came off the bench in last week's 28-21 defeat of the Cheetahs in his first game since suffering a serious groin injury during last year's Rugby World Cup.
Carter's return is one of four changes to the team that beat the Cheetahs. Tom Taylor who started in the 10 jersey moves to second five. George Whitelock and Wyatt Crockett both return to the starting fifteen this week, with Luke Whitelock and Ben Franks moving to the bench.
Coach Todd Blackadder is confident his side aren't far off clicking after a scratchy start to the season, and they are also likely to welcome back All Blacks' skipper Richie McCaw once they return from South Africa in a fortnight.
Crusaders team to play the Lions:
