Crusaders coach Robbie Deans is confident wing Marika Vunibaka will be fit to aid the Canterbury side's charge to a record-breaking 11th straight Super 12 victory.

Vunibaka was named Thursday in the Crusaders' starting team for Saturday's clash with the Waratahs after being in doubt earlier in the week with a big toe injury.

The ailment - understood to have been caused when Jonah Lomu trod on the Fijian's foot - forced Vunibaka off the field against the Hurricanes, but not before he had scored two tries in the first four minutes.

But Deans confirmed Vunibaka will play on the right wing provided he gets through the captain's run Friday. "He ran at training yesterday, but not totally freely," Deans said.

"But the medical staff don't see any issue. He'll be fine."

All Black loose forwards Scott Robertson and Richard McCaw also return to the Crusaders' starting line-up. Robertson has proved his fitness after a popped rib cartilage kept him out of the Hurricanes game.

Deans rested McCaw against the Hurricanes after the young flanker had been a starter in the first nine games. "Richie is feeling refreshed and is really enthusiastic. It was probably a case of mixed emotions for him, watching last week's game."

Nathan Mauger, who had a strong game as a substitute against the Hurricanes, returns to the starting centre role for the first time since the third round win over the Blues, with Mark Robinson ruled out by a rib injury.

Mauger's return restores his midfield partnership with brother Aaron, who will be outside All Black halves Justin Marshall and Andrew Mehrtens.

In the only other change to the starting line-up, Leon MacDonald returns at fullback, with Ben Blair dropping to the reserves. The All Black No 15 - the Crusaders' joint top try-scorer this year with Vunibaka on six - has scored three tries in his last three appearances against the Waratahs.

Robinson and No 8 Sam Broomhall, who is nursing a shoulder injury from the Hurricanes hit-out, were not considered for the match.

Deans said he had not "really considered" the seven changes made by the Waratahs, but said several of the newcomers had "added a bit of zip" when they came on against the Reds last week.

"We are in for a very good workout. The Waratahs are the most consistent side in the competition and it's an ideal preparation for the play-offs."