The side left for Wellington on Friday without their two first-choice hookers Brody McAlister and Seb Siataga and experienced midfielder Tim Bateman - who are all unavailable due to injury.
The injury crisis at hooker means 20-year-old Shilo Klein - who recently made his Mitre 10 Cup debut in a late appearance off the bench in a loss to Manawatu - will get the start. Meanwhile, Nic Souchon has been recalled from a loan spell in Otago to provide cover on the bench.
McAlister went down with an injury in Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield defence against North Harbour on Sunday. The situation became worse during the week when Siataga pinged a calf at training. Prop Harrison Allen is also unavailable due to a shoulder injury.
The side looked into a potential return for Crusaders hooker Ben Funnell, who recently returned to Christchurch from a spell in Japan. However, due to being a returning player from overseas he needed to have played for Canterbury before round five of the competition to be eligible for the playoffs.
In the backs, promising Linwood midfielder Inga Finau starts in the 12 jersey due to Bateman sustaining a hamstring strain. Finau will have a familiar face next to him in the form of housemate and fellow midfielder Braydon Ennor - who will take on a more senior role in Bateman's absence.
"Tim [Bateman] has been alongside me for my whole professional, so he's been a big help for me. Hopefully, I've learnt enough off him to lead the team tomorrow," said Ennor.
"I've actually lived with Inga [Finau] for the last couple of years and we have a good relationship, so I'm looking forward to having him on the field tomorrow," said Ennor.
Canterbury and Wellington played out a classic in August which saw Wellington take the honours 23-22 at Westpac Stadium. After trailing by 13 with 15 minutes remaining Canterbury stages a late comeback, but fell agonisingly short.
The one-point loss is the closest any team has come to defeating Wellington on their home surface this season.
"They got the wood over us at the start of the season and they played well. It's obviously going to be a tough battle and we know it's going to come down to a couple of key moments," said Canterbury captain Luke Whitelock.
Coach Maddock believes his injury struck side are up to the task of overcoming Wellington and says they've come a long way since the week three loss in the capital.
"I think we've grown a lot and learnt a lot as a group. We've really connected over the 11 weeks. It probably took a little longer than we thought, but we've got and we've been playing some pretty good rugby the last few weeks. We're in a semi-final, it's something to be really excited about and we've got a chance," said Maddock.
The winner of Saturday night's clash will play either Tasman or Auckland - who play earlier in the day - in next weekend's final.
Kick off 7.05pm, Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Canterbury team to play Wellington: Daniel Liernert-Brown 1, Shilo Klein 2, Owen Franks 3, Luke Romano 4, Mitchell Dunshea 5, Reed Prinsep 6, Billy Harmon 7, Luke Whitelock 8, Mitchell Drummond 9, Brett Cameron 10, Sam Gilbert 11, Inga Finau 12, Braydon Ennor 13, Dallas McLeod 14, Josh McKay 15. Reserves: Nic Souchon 16, Harrison Courtney 17, Siate Tokolahi 18, Whetukamokamo Douglas 19, Tom Christie 20, Ereatara Enari 21, Fergus Burke 22, Rameka Poihipi 23.
