Cruden may have been the All Blacks starting fly-half in the first two tests against Wales, but the Chiefs selectors were swayed by the way 2011 World Cup winner Donald led the side to a 40-7 demolition of the tourists.
It is a crucial match for the Chiefs and Crusaders with the showdown between the New Zealand heavyweights likely to determine who gets the top ranking and vital home-ground advantage going into the playoffs.
Crusaders currently lead the competition with 45 points, three more than the Chiefs who are the next best-performing side but are ranked fifth under a system that gives the top four slots to the four conference winners.
South Africa's Golden Lions, also on 42 points, host Coastal Sharks (35), Africa 1 conference leaders Western Stormers (36) play the Rebels in Melbourne while top Australian side ACT Brumbies (34) are at home to Queensland Reds.
The Suva showdown is billed as a home game for the Chiefs who have opted to host the first Super Rugby match in Fiji to acknowledge the significant contribution Fijian players have made to New Zealand's rugby heritage.
Although Cruden injured his neck in the second test against Wales and did not play in the third last weekend, Chiefs assistant coach Neil Barnes said that did not influence the selection.
"Aaron is ready to play (but) we've put three weeks hard work into this game and Stephen's been right across it, driving training the whole time," Barnes said.
"Going on his form in the Welsh game, which we thought was pretty good, we thought we'd give him the opportunity to go out there and run the game for us."
Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane are the only members of Chiefs' current crop of seven All Blacks who will start, while Crusaders have decided not to hold back.
Six of their All Blacks who had game time against Wales, including captain Kieran Read, will start with a seventh, prop Joe Moody, among the replacements.
