Sonny Bill Williams will watch on as his Crusaders side play Super 15 rivals the Chiefs at Napier on Saturday night.
The All Black second five-eighth has not overcome the discomfort of a bruised knee which forced him from the field for the second half of the team's loss to the Cheetahs in South Africa last weekend.
Williams' enforced absence is among five changes to the starting XV made by coach Todd Blackadder.
Wyatt Crockett starts at loosehead prop, with Ben Franks moving to the tighthead and Owen Franks starting on the reserves bench.
Ryan Crotty has been moved in a spot to second five-eighth, with Robbie Fruean, who played on the right wing against the Cheetahs, moving back to centre.
Brent Ward gets his first start since getting a call-up as injury cover last week and will play on the right wing.
All Black lock Brad Thorn, who strained a calf in the match against the Highlanders in Nelson five weeks ago, came through training this morning without incident and will take his place on the reserves bench.
Joe Wheeler, who had been bracketed with Thorn in the team named earlier today, will cover loose forward from the bench after London Wasps-bound Jonathan Poff was forced out with a rib injury.
In-form flanker Matt Todd has been ruled out of consideration because of a corked thigh, forcing him to miss a match for the first time this season.
Blackadder said the Crusaders were aware of the threats that the Chiefs possessed.
"They've been playing well lately and will be up for this one. It's a New Zealand derby so it will be uncompromising and physical, that's for sure."
The Crusaders beat the Chiefs 34-16 in the ninth round on April 15 at Mt Maunganui.
Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Brent Ward, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Willi Heinz, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Luke Romano, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Joe Wheeler, Steve Alfeld, Mat Berquist, Tu Umaga-Marshall.
