No 8 and captain Kieran Read is still not fit after damaging ligaments behind his big toe a month ago, Dan Carter is nursing a hamstring strain, and Richie McCaw is on sabbatical.
But the Crusaders still have nine present or former All Blacks in their starting line-up.
After flirting with the wing at the start of the season, Israel Dagg is at fullback, with Tom Marshall moving to the right wing to replace Adam Whitelock, who moves to the reserves.
Flanker Matt Todd comes back into the team to take the place of Shane Christie, who injured his ribs in the loss to the Force last Saturday.
Sam Whitelock also comes back to replace former Highlanders lock Tom Donnelly, who drops out of the squad altogether.
Dominic Bird, who missed the Force match because of disciplinary issues, will be the reserve lock.
Tyler Bleyendaal stays at first five-eighth despite a couple of less than impressive efforts against the Sharks and the Force. Tom Taylor, who has been out with an injured knee since early March, is fit again but is only on the bench.
The match will be the 50th at this level for Sam Whitelock, and if he gets on, older brother Adam will also play his 50th game of Super rugby.
The Crusaders will have happy memories of playing the Highlanders at the new AMI Stadium in Addington.
Last year, the Crusaders were rampant, beating the Highlanders 51-18 at the ground.
The Highlanders are due to name their team today.
Crusaders team
To play Highlanders
Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (captain), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Domonic Bird, Jordan Taufau, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock.
