All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw will start in the Crusaders No.7 jersey for the first time this year in their Super Rugby clash with the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning (AEST).

But the good news of having the champion captain back at openside flanker has been offset by playmaker Dan Carter again being forced to miss another game because of his troublesome hamstring.

McCaw played at No.8 in the 42-30 victory over Western Force in Perth last weekend in his first start since fracturing his foot in the pre-season.

Carter hasn't played since the Crusaders hammered the Sharks 44-28 at Twickenham in late March.

McCaw replaces Matt Todd, who has started every match this season in the No.7 jersey.

Kieran Read is back to the starting team at No.8 after being rested for the last two rounds against the Highlanders and Force.

In the only other change from last weekend, Owen Franks starts at tighthead prop, replacing brother Ben, who has a lower back injury.

Andrew Olorenshaw is on the bench as prop cover.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder expects a tough match against the South African conference leaders.

"The Stormers will have a capacity crowd behind them and will want to build momentum against us," he said on Thursday.

"They have a very good defence and are smart on attack too so we'll have to be on top of our game."

Blackadder said discipline would be important for his players.

"We probably won't get as many opportunities to counter-attack as we did against the Force so we will have to look after possession, plus we can't afford to give away as many penalties."

Not considered due to injury were Ben Franks (lower back), Andy Ellis (thumb), Brad Thorn (calf) and Sam Whitelock (ankle).

Crusaders (15-1): Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Mat Berquist, Kahn Fotuali'i, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Andrew Olorenshaw, Joe Wheeler, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Tom Marshall, Adam Whitelock.

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