Isaac Ross will team up with Brad Thorn in the Crusaders' second row when the seven-time Super Rugby champs tackle the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Friday.
The All Black lock's return means Sam Whitelock moves down to the reserves bench after starting the previous four matches.
Thomas Waldrom and Ben Franks are also both available to take their places on the bench after overcoming their respective injuries.
Waldrom didn't play in the victory over the Blues last weekend - the first match the number eight has missed for the Crusaders - due to an Achilles tendon strain suffered in the previous week's win over the Sharks.
Prop Franks was sidelined last week by a knee strain. Both players were initially bracketed but came through training today well.
Elsewhere, scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i gets his first start of the season, replacing Andy Ellis, who received a head knock against the Blues.
Coach Todd Blackadder is expecting a tough encounter at Rugby Park, Hamilton, against a Chiefs side which will be hurting after losing to the Reds last weekend.
"The Chiefs are always tough at home and they obviously have some very exciting ball runners, but we'll be well prepared and are looking forward to it," he said.
Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.
Date: Friday, March 12
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:35 (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Matthew Stanish (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
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