All Blacks great Dan Carter will come off the reserve bench for the Crusaders in their pre-season game against the Hurricanes in Eketahuna on Saturday.

The veteran five-eighth is one of the few All Blacks from either team to play the game two weeks before the Super Rugby season begins.

Carter faces a season-long fight to reclaim the New Zealand first-choice No.10 jersey after two years battling injuries and gets a first chance to show his wares in the traditional January fixture.

Utility back Tom Taylor and tight forwards Luke Romano, Dominic Bird and Joe Moody are among the All Blacks who will start the game.

Hooker Brayden Mitchell, lock Geoff Cridge and wingers Jason Woodward and Vince Aso will get their first starts for the Hurricanes.