The openside flanker has missed the last three months with an elbow injury.
He returned to club rugby on Saturday, scoring two tries after coming on in the second half for Taieri.
Daniel Lienert-Brown also returns to the starting line-up, while Gareth Evans has edged Elliot Dixon for the blindside flanker spot.
Marty Banks retains the No 10 jersey, while the in-form Rob Thompson comes into second five-eighth, pushing Richard Buckman to the left wing.
Ben Smith will captain the team from fullback in his record-breaking 128th game for the franchise.
The Highlanders will look to extend their winning streak to 10, against a Crusaders side which has won all 13 of its games this season.
Kickoff is at 2.35pm in Christchurch.
Highlanders team to play the Crusaders
Daniel Lienert-Brown. Liam Coltman. Siate Tokolahi, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Gareth Evans, James Lentjes, Luke Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Marty Banks, Richard Buckman, Rob Thompson, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith (CC).
Reserves Ash Dixon (CC), Aki Seiuli, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Lima Sopoaga, Matt Faddes.