Sonny Bill Williams will make his return among four changes to the Chiefs’ starting side for their Super Rugby match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Inside centre Williams was a late withdrawal with the knee complaint from the Chiefs’ 23-16 win over the Blues before their bye last weekend.

On Friday night, he will be matched up against fellow All Black Dan Carter, who is back in the Crusaders run-on side, but in the No.12 rather than his usual No.10 jersey.

The three other changes are also in the backs, including at centre, where Charlie Ngatai returns from a calf injury.

Tim Nanai-Williams comes in at right wing, with Tom Marshall moving to fullback.

At halfback, Brad Weber takes over from Augustine Pulu, who goes to the bench.

The Chiefs, who won their round-three match against the Crusaders 40-16, are second in the New Zealand conference, three points behind the competition’s overall leaders, the Hurricanes.

Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (capt), Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Pauliasi Manu, Michael Fitzgerald, Liam Squire, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Bryce Heem.