Wellington, Oct 13 NZPA - All Blacks stars Dan Carter and Richie McCaw return to the Canterbury starting side for their Air NZ Cup table-topping rugby match against Hawke's Bay in Napier on Thursday.

The defending champions have made multiple changes from the side who comfortably defended the Ranfurly Shield against Manawatu last weekend, when first five-eighth Carter and flanker McCaw appeared off the reserve bench.

McCaw slots in at No 8 for the competition leaders in place of Nasi Manu while All Blacks loose forward Kieran Read is unavailable with a head injury and replaced by Michael Paterson.

Carter comes in for Stephen Brett, who is ruled out with a back strain.

Another returning All Black is lock Isaac Ross, making his first Air NZ Cup start this year alongside international teammate Brad Thorn.

There is a midfield shuffle courtesy of the return of Casey Laulala at centre. Tim Bateman shifts to second five-eighth and Ryan Crotty to the reserve bench.

James Paterson will start on the left wing ahead of Tu Umaga-Marshall.

Victory for Canterbury will ensure they qualify first for the semifinals a week before the end of the round-robin phase.

Second-placed Hawke's Bay have won their last five games can go close to booking a semifinal berth if they win.

However, they risk dropping out of the top four if beaten, prompting a some cautionary words from Canterbury coach Rob Penney.

"They have talent all across the park and we'll have to be on top of our game but we're looking forward to the challenge," Penney said.

Notable match-ups will include the battle of the No 8, where McCaw marks Thomas Waldrom, an outstanding Crusader in this year's Super 14.

In-form Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford, who will play for the Crusaders next season, will face in-form speedster Sean Maitland.

The match is a repeat of last year's semifinal in Christchurch, won 31-21 by Canterbury.

Hawke's Bay last beat Canterbury in 1982 -- a 21-13 triumph in Hastings.