Dan Carter, Israel Dagg and Nemani Nadolo have been left out of the Crusaders side to face the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium.

First five‑eighth Carter and fullback Dagg haven't been considered for the Super Rugby match because of injuries, while wing Nadolo will be eased back into the New Zealand rugby scene via the Crusaders Knights development team.

Colin Slade who kicked 16 points against the Highlanders will continue to operate at No 10.

Meanwhile, All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Cane will bolster the Chiefs starting line-up to face the Crusaders.

The duo were late withdrawals from Friday night's win over the Brumbies in New Plymouth due to injury.

Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna have also been moved off the bench and into the starting 15.

The Chiefs face the Crusaders at 6.30pm this Saturday.

Chiefs: 1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Hika Elliot, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Matt Symons, 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Michael Fitzgerald, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Liam Messam ©, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. James Lowe, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Charlie Ngatai, 14. Bryce Heem, 15. Tom Marshall

Reserves: 16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Siate Tokolahi, 18. Mitchell Graham, 19. Johan Bardoul, 20. Sean Polwart, 21. Brad Weber, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Seta Tamanivalu.

Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd (c), Richie McCaw, Luke Romano, Scott Barrett, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Alex Hodgman, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Nathaniel Apa, Nafi Tuitavake.