Cruden was an ever-present for his team last season, playing almost every minute of every game, but Dave Rennie has named him on the reserves bench in favour of Gareth Anscombe.
Anscombe, the former Blues first-five who has played at fullback for the Chiefs this season, will link with Tawera Kerr-Barlow, the halfback returning from a broken jaw.
It is a much-changed line-up named by Rennie.
In the midfield, Richard Kahui has been ruled out for the season, but Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell and Charlie Ngatai are also injured.
Save Tokula will play centre alongside Bundee Aki.
Prop Ben Afeaki returns from injury and will play in a front row comprising Hika Elliot and Toby Smith.
Patrick Osborne starts on the left wing after recovering from a hamstring injury.
"We are in the third mini leg of our season which is hugely important," Rennie said. "We are well aware of the strength of this Force team. They have beaten the Reds and Crusaders and went close to the Hurricanes, which proves they can travel, so we need to be at our best."
Chiefs team to play the Force at Pukekohe's EcoLight Stadium on Friday, kick-of 7.35pm is: Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Save Tokula, Bundee Aki, Patrick Osborne, Gareth Anscombe, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
