Carter ran at about 90 per cent at training on Tuesday, but is not sufficiently right to play after limping from the field in the round one defeat to the Rebels.
Colin Slade, who impressed at No10 against the Highlanders last weekend, will start there again against the Chiefs.
Israel Dagg is another absence following his first-half thigh injury in the 26-20 victory over the Highlanders.
Tom Taylor starts at fullback instead, with halfback Andy Ellis named on the reserves bench following his return from Japan. Todd Blackadder has resisted the temptation to include blockbusting wing Nemani Nadolo after his return from Japan.
Nepo Laulala replaces the suspended Owen Franks at tighthead prop, with Jordan Taufua replacing Luke Whitelock at No8.
Crusaders team to play the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Tom Taylor, Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd (c), Richie McCaw, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Alex Hodgman, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Nathaniel Apa, Nafi Tuitavake.
