The Crusaders have received a major boost ahead of their opening Super Rugby game with number eight Kieran Read deciding to play.
The All Blacks captain was due to take the first two weeks of the season off, but has had a change of heart and will line up against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.
Read said he made his decision before last weekend's 74-7 heavy pre-season loss to the Hurricanes.
"I've been training really well and the body is feeling great and the mind was kind of willing," Read said on his decision to return.
"Two months ago I was certainly going to miss a few games and have that break, but the way I've been training I feel a lot better advanced than I thought I was going to be."
Read confirmed that Sam Whitelock will still captain the side for the first two games.
Coach Todd Blackadder cooled any suggestions it was a "knee-jerk reaction" throwing Read back into the team following the loss to the Hurricanes.
"We talked about it about three weeks ago that he was going to come back for this game," said Blackadder.
"It's not a knee-jerk reaction, it's just nice to have him involved.
"I'm just really pleased he's hungry and wants to play. It's a really good message.
"He's just such a class player he commands respect straight away."
Read's availability is a boost to the Crusaders injury-hit loose forwards ranks, with Matt Todd still at least one week away from returning from a calf injury.
The Crusaders made a strong start to pre-season by spanking the Reds 31-3, followed by a 19-19 draw with the Highlanders.
While many coaches would be concerned heading into the season off the back of a 67-point loss, Blackadder is choosing to seek positives in the defeat.
"There was a real silver lining to that, we got taught a real lesson and we just spent all [Monday] correcting that.
"We just had one of those days when it was a green wicket and we were bowled out for 75, but it was a really good lesson.
"A little bit of humiliation doesn't hurt, it really grounds you. I felt all up until last week that we were well on track and it was one of those days where nothing went our way.
"It hasn't really influenced any of our thinking this week, rather than the hunger and it's probably refocused our preparation."
Richie Mo'unga is expected to grab the much sought after number 10 jersey, beating out competition from Ben Volavola and an injured Marty McKenzie, who will miss the chance to line up against his brother Damian.
The Crusaders start the Super Rugby season with three home games and a bye in the opening four weeks.
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