The victorious World Cup captain has been named in the reserves for Sunday afternoon's clash against the Waratahs in Sydney after undergoing foot surgery during the off season.
McCaw will play in his first game since the World Cup final against France; however, his last Super 15 match was a defeat in a final - going down to the Reds in last year's decider.
Meanwhile, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to the starting XV that beat the Hurricanes last weekend.
Luke Romano will partner up with Tom Donnelly at lock, and Samuel Whitelock moves to the reserves.
Ben Franks moves from tighthead to loosehead prop this week and Owen Franks will start at tighthead. Wyatt Crockett will be ready to provide support from the bench. Hooker Ben Funnell may get his first run for the Crusaders this season if he comes off the bench for starting hooker Corey Flynn.
Crusaders team to play the Waratahs: Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Tom Donnelly, Luke Romano, George Whitelock, Matt Todd, Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Robbie Fruean, Adam Whitelock, Israel Dagg. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Samuel Whitelock, Richie McCaw, Willi Heinz, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall.
