Read will start for the Crusaders at No8 as the defending champion takes on the Hurricanes in Wellington in the second clash between the sides this year.
Read has had a slow start to the year, having been rested for the opening six rounds of the competition.
He was initially rested for the opening four weeks through an agreement between the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby but it was decided to give him another couple of weeks off.
Read last played in the end-of-year tour for the All Blacks.
Read comes back in at the back of scrum which forces Whetukamokamo Douglas to move to the blindside flank and Jordan Taufua goes to the bench.
Scott Barrett and Richie Mo'unga come back into the side after being rested last weekend while prop Owen Franks will miss another game having not recovered from a shoulder injury.
The Hurricanes will be without regular skipper Dane Coles, who has a slight calf strain. Halfback TJ Perenara is back and will captain the team. Ngani Laumape returns at inside centre, pushing Jordie Barrett to the wing.
Wes Goosen, who was in fine form for the Hurricanes last weekend in their tight win over the Stormers, moves to the bench to make way for Barrett.
It will be the 50th game in the Hurricanes jersey for hooker Ricky Riccitelli and loose forward Vaea Fifita.
The two teams, which have a loss apiece, share the overall competition lead on 19 points.
The Crusaders have lost their past five games away to the Hurricanes, who have only lost once at home in their last 25 matches.