April steps into Lambie's shoes
April is part of a starting XV that sees 15 changes to the one that beat Toulon 29-21 last week. April replaces squad captain Patrick Lambie who is returning home because of injury
Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee will captain the side.
Some of the notable changes to the side sees Springbok fullback Willie le Roux come into the side in place of Joe Pietersen and Michael Claassens replacing fellow Springbok Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf.
Up front, Juan Schoeman gets his chance to shine in place of Tendai Mtawarira, while Ettienne Oosthuizen will make his first appearance on tour in place of Jean-Luc du Preez.
Players not considered for the match because of injury or SA Rugby limitations include Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen, Francois Kleinhans, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Botha and Lambie.
"I was generally happy with our performance against Toulon," said Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold. "With that being our first hit-out of the season the players were bound to be a bit rusty in certain areas, but overall, I was pleased with the intensity and commitment shown in the match.
"The match against Toulouse gives us another opportunity to test new combinations and work on certain areas, that we were not as accurate in, last Friday. Toulouse boasts a good squad and they'll provide the ideal test and preparation we require, ahead of the start of Super Rugby 2016."
Teams:
Toulouse: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Timoci Matanavou, 13 Arthur Bonneval, 12 Jarrod Poï, 11 Alexis Palisson, 10 Luke McAlister, 9 David Mélé, 8 Gregory Lamboley, 7 Gillian Galan, 6 François Cros, 5 Edwin Maka, 4 Romain Millo, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements – from: Vasil Kakovin, Christopher Tolofua, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri, Neemia Tialata, Joe Tekori, Alexandre Manukula, Imanol Harinordoquy, Edgar Tuinukuafe, Franck Tebaldini, Thomas Bouyxou, Christopher Tolofua, Simon Bienvenu, Joseva Rauga, Semi Kunatani, Bonneval Billard.
Sharks 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Wandile Mjekevu, 13 Heimar Williams, 12 Johan Deysel, 11 Sibusiso Sithole, 10 Garth April, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Christiaan de Bruin, 7 Etienne Oosthuizen, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Dave McDuling, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements – from: Kyle Cooper, Gerhard Engelbrecht, Daniel du Preez , Jean-Luc du Preez, Cobus Reinach, Stefan Ungerer, Andre Esterhuizen, Paul Jordaan, Odwa Ndungane, Joe Pietersen.
Date: Thursday, February 11
Venue: Toulouse
Kick-off: 20.45 (21.45 SA Time; 19.45 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynall (France)
