The All Blacks' captain has been on the sidelines since fracturing his thumb against the Blues in February and, in the meantime, Matt Todd has established himself in McCaw's familiar openside flanker role.
Todd might have played 122 tests fewer than McCaw but his outstanding performances in the last couple of months has seen him retain the No 7 jersey.
McCaw won't even captain the side in Kieran Read's absence, with second five-eighth Ryan Crotty handed the leadership duties by coach Todd Blackadder.
Blackadder has made five changes from the starting XV that beat the Chiefs a fortnight ago, with the Crusaders preparing to play their first home game in more than a month.
Along with McCaw's return, Luke Whitelock comes into the side at No 8 in place of Read, who is still feeling the effects of a concussion sustained against the Chiefs.
Also returning from injury are Kieron Fonotia, who will start at centre and relegate Tom Marshall to the reserves, and Luke Romano, who will provide lock cover off the bench.
The hookers and halfbacks rotate again for the encounter with the second-placed Brumbies, with Ben Funnell starting at rake in place of Corey Flynn and Andy Ellis taking the No 9 jersey from Willi Heinz .
Crusaders team to play the Brumbies: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty (c), Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Samuel Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Tim Perry, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake.
