All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is back but his deputy Kieran Read is still missing from the Crusaders team to face the Brumbies in a key Super Rugby match on Saturday.

McCaw has recovered from a broken thumb suffered against the Blues more than two months ago but coach Todd Blackadder has restored the alltime great at blindside flanker, with the in-form Matt Todd retaining the openside role.

The return of McCaw lessens the impact of losing Read, who continues to suffer concussion symptoms.

World class No.8 Read suffered a blow to the head in their last-start win over the Chiefs in Hamilton and their bye round last week hasn’t provided enough time to clear him of his second concussion this season.

Read’s captaincy armband has been passed to inside centre Ryan Crotty, allowing McCaw to ease his way back in.

There are five starting changes from the 18-17 defeat of the Chiefs which was the eighth-placed Crusaders’ third straight win.

In the forwards, McCaw pushes Jordan Taufua to the bench, Luke Whitelock replaces Read and hooker Corey Flynn makes way for Ben Funnell.

Experienced halfback Andy Ellis returns in place of Willi Heinz after successive games on the bench while bruising centre Kieron Fonotia has recovered from a hamstring strain and pushes Tom Taylor to the reserves.

All Blacks lock Luke Romano is included on the bench after missing a month of action with a calf injury.

The Brumbies, who dispatched the Chiefs 41-23 in Canberra last week, pose a significant threat to a remarkable Crusaders record.

The Crusaders haven’t lost at home to a team from Australia or South Africa since 2004 – a streak that spans 49 games.

Crusaders:- Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty (capt), Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Tim Perry, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake