Coach Scott Robertson has resisted the urge to introduce the 33-year-old from the bench, instead chucking him into the deep end at No 8 as the Crusaders seek to put last week's shocker against the Waratahs behind them.
Read has been on extended off-season leave to have him primed for this year's World Cup, where he will farewell New Zealand rugby.
He says the four-month off-season has left him feeling sharp.
"I feel like I'm in as good nick as I've been in my career," Read told journalists on Wednesday.
"It was the aim this year, it's what the off-season was about. I'm very thankful to have had the time. Right now, it's time to get out there and do it on the field."
Robertson has named a starting team close to full strength but still missing starting Test props Joe Moody and Owen Franks.
Richie Mo'unga replaces Brett Cameron at five-eighth while lock Scott Barrett is back for Quentin Strange in changes from the starting side who made a slew of mistakes in the 20-12 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney. It ended a competition record run of 19 straight wins.
Read replaces Jordan Taufua, with Whetukamokamo Douglas shifting to the blindside flank.
The teams share the overall competition lead on 19 points, with one loss each.
The Crusaders have lost their last five games away to the Hurricanes, who have only lost once at home in their last 25 matches.
The Hurricanes have made three changes from the team who pipped the Stormers 34-28.
Two critical changes in the backline see captain TJ Perenara restored at halfback and Ngani Laumape return at inside centre, pushing Jordie Barrett to the wing.
Hooker Dane Coles is sidelined by a calf complaint.
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Jordie Barrett, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (capt), Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Fraser Armstrong. Res: Asafo Aumua, Chris Eves, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Isaia Walker Leawere, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen.
Crusaders: David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock (capt), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Harry Allan. Res: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Brett Cameron, Will Jordan.