Prop Aki Seiuli makes his first start of the year and swaps places with Daniel Lienert-Brown, who moves to the bench. Tevita Li gets another chance on the left wing in place of Tevita Nabura.
Giant prop Kalolo Tuiloma is named on the bench and will make his Highlanders debut if he gets on.
Ash Dixon will start off the bench, the co-captain playing his 48th game for the franchise.
The Crusaders named their team this afternoon with Sam Whitelock installed as captain despite leaving the field last week with concussion. Fellow All Black Ryan Crotty also took a bang to the head last week and has been replaced by Tm Bateman for the game on Saturday night.
Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamunivalu, Jack Goodhue, Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Mitch Hunt, Mitch Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Chris King, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Billy Harmon, Bryn Hall, Mike Delany, Manasa Mataele.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Ash Dixon (co-captain), Daniel Lienert-Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.