Richie McCaw will start at blindside flank in one of two changes to the Crusaders' starting XV for their semi-final against the Sharks in Christchurch.

The All Blacks captain hasn't featured for the Crusaders since their 30-7 victory over the Force prior to the June Tests against England. His inclusion sees Jordan Taufua drop to the bench, while Luke Whitelock drops out of the match-day squad altogether.

In the only other change Cory Flynn will start at hooker in his 150th game for the Crusaders, completing an all-New Zealand front row.

The Crusaders will be looking to qualify for their 11th Super Rugby final and their first since 2011 when they take on the Sharks in Christchurch on Saturday.

Crusaders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Kieron Fonotia, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Richie McCaw, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn , 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 Johnny McNicholl.

Photo: Martin Hunter/Getty Images