Key All Blacks Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will return to action for the Crusaders in their Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Carter, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in the 44-28 defeat of the Sharks in London on March 27, joins McCaw, who sat out last week's win over the Stormers with concussion, in a starting 15 that features six personnel changes from the side that won in Cape Town.

Carter replaces Mat Berquist in the No.10 jersey, while Matt Todd, who stepped in for McCaw after the All Blacks captain was forced to withdraw from last week's game, moves to the bench.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks returns to the front row after recovering from a lower back complaint, replacing Wyatt Crockett, who goes to the bench after his man of the match effort last weekend.

Centre Ryan Crotty, summoned from New Zealand after the Crusaders suffered four backline injuries in the first half last week, slots into the centres outside Sonny Bill Williams forcing Robbie Fruean out to the right wing to cover the absence of Sean Maitland.

Third-string halfback Willi Heinz starts in place of the injured Kahn Fotuali'i while utility back Tom Marshall fills in at fullback for Israel Dagg.

Auckland veteran fullback Brent Ward joins halfback Steve Alfred on the reserves bench.

All Blacks Andy Ellis (thumb), Brad Thorn (calf) and Sam Whitelock (ankle) were not considered for selection.

Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Willi Heinz, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Joe Wheeler, Matt Todd, Steve Alfeld, Mat Berquist, Brent Ward.

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