All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will make his first start of the season for the Crusaders in Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels.

McCaw, whose two appearances this season have been off the bench, will also take over the captaincy.

Coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the side that eked out a narrow 15-11 win over the Reds on Sunday with usual captain Kieran Read relegated to the bench.

McCaw, who had surgery on his right foot in the off-season, will play at openside flanker with Luke Whitelock replacing Read at the back of the scrum.

In other changes, Wyatt Crockett starts in place of Ben Franks, halfback Willi Heinz makes his first start of the season and All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg is shifted to the bench with Tom Marshall donning the No.15 jersey.

Lock Tom Donnelly, who missed the Reds match with a back injury, is on the bench subject to him coming through training unscathed on Wednesday.

Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Dan Carter, Zac Guildford, Tom Taylor, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Richie McCaw (capt), George Whitelock, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg.