Carter missed the last four games for the Crusaders after sitting out the South African tour to attend the birth of his son before straining a hamstring in Perth which ruled him out of matches against the Force and Highlanders.
Carter, who will wear the No 21 jersey, last played against the Kings on March 23, kicking 16 points in a 55-20 thrashing of the South African newcomers.
Tyler Bleyendaal will once again start in the No 10 jersey.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the starting side that played the Highlanders last weekend, including the dropping of Robbie Fruean who scored against the Highlanders.
Joe Moody starts as loosehead prop, moving Wyatt Crockett to the bench. Willi Heinz starts as halfback and Tom Taylor makes the starting XV at second five-eighths which sees Ryan Crotty move to centre.
"It will be great to be playing with a bit of sun on our backs and is an ideal day out for families," Blackadder said. "The early kickoff time makes it a fantastic opportunity to bring the kids along."
The Crusaders are fourth in the New Zealand conference and ninth overall with four wins in their eight games. The Rebels are 12th after two wins and six defeats.
Crusaders team to play the Rebels at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, on Sunday (4.05pm): Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (c), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Adam Whitelock.
