Crusaders five-eighth Dan Carter will come off the bench in Sunday’s afternoon Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Christchurch.

A minor hamstring twinge kept the All Blacks pivot out of the Crusaders’ 16-14 loss to the Western Force a fortnight ago and he was also rested for last week’s 24-8 win over the Highlanders.

Carter also missed the Crusaders’ South African matches against the Stormers and Sharks, staying home to await the birth of his first child.

Tyler Bleyendaal, who has filled in for the last four games, will again start at No.10.

The Crusaders are looking to rediscover form, with the team boasting just four wins from eight starts this season.

Coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the starting 15 from last week.

Joe Moody starts as loosehead prop, moving Wyatt Crockett to the bench while Willi Heinz takes over halfback duties from Andy Ellis.

Robbie Fruean, who has started all eight of the Crusaders’ games to date, will be rested with Ryan Crotty moving out to No.13 and Tom Taylor running on at inside centre.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Adam Whitelock.