Richie McCaw will start his first game of rugby since last year's World Cup final when he captains the Crusaders against the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday night.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the starting side that squeaked past the Reds in their last game, including three in the pack. McCaw will start at openside flanker and Luke Whitelock at No 8, meaning Kieran Read, who has captained the side in McCaw's absence, goes to the bench.
Fellow All Blacks Andy Ellis and Israel Dagg will also start in the reserves, giving rare starts to Willi Heinz at halfback and Tom Marshall at fullback. Wyatt Crockett comes in at loosehead prop for Ben Franks.
Lock Tom Donnelly was a late withdrawal from the team against the Reds last weekend after hurting his back, and his position in the reserves is subject to his full participation in training today. Wing Sean Maitland will play his 50th Super Rugby game this weekend.
The Crusaders have won their last four to sit fifth on the overall Super Rugby table and take on a Rebels side who have lost their last two.
Crusaders team to play the Rebels at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Saturday (9.40pm NZT): Tom Marshall, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Dan Carter (vc), Zac Guildford, Tom Taylor, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Richie McCaw (c), George Whitelock, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly (Ross Kennedy), Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg.
