Former All Blacks lock Chris Jack will make his first start for the Crusaders in three years in Saturday's Super 14 match against the Waratahs in Christchurch.

Jack left New Zealand rugby after the All Blacks bowed out to France in their World Cup quarter-final in 2007 and has plied his trade in the UK and briefly South Africa before returning this season to try and regain his All Blacks jersey.

The 31-year-old had a slow start to the season after having a wrist operation, but he has come off the bench in the last two games and has now been given the chance by Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder to prove he is not a spent force.

In the only other change to the Crusaders, who snatched a 26-26 draw with the Hurricanes last Friday, Kahn Fotuali'i starts at halfback in place of Andy Ellis, who suffered concussion late in the first half of last week's match.

Blackadder said tests during the week showed Ellis was not ready this week and Willi Heinz comes into the reserves.

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