After missing last week's Test against Fiji, Carter replaces Colin Slade in the line-up and will need just two points in the Tri-Nations game on Saturday to overhaul Wilkinson's mark of 1,195 points.
Elsewhere, Jerome Kaino comes in at blindside flanker and Cory Jane will play on the wing, while Sam Whitelock also returns.
Sonny Bill Williams could make his home Test debut after being named on the bench in place of Ben Smith.
Coach Graham Henry expects a Springboks backlash after they lost their Tri-Nations opener against Australia 39-20.
"They are a proud rugby nation and won't want a repeat performance so we will have to be ready for that challenge," Henry told www.allblacks.com.
"But we have had a good build-up this week and have picked a team we know that will be up for that challenge."
Team: Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Adam Thomson.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Jarrad Hoeata, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.
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