Champions Cup: Sharks name team for tough Toulouse assignment

Given Toulouse's history in the tournament and current ranking at the top of the Top 14 competition, the Sharks have a big challenge ahead of them.

Springboks Jordan Herndrikse and Makazole Mapimipi lurk in the backline, while Jaden Hendrikse is on the bench for the Durban franchise.

There are Champions Cup debuts for JJ Scheepers and Junior Bok star Bathobele Hlekani in the starting line-up, while Cebo Dlamini and Jannes Potgieter debut off the bench.

For captain Hatton, it's an opportunity to show pride in the jersey and demonstrate the character in the side, especially given the hardships the team has faced in recent times.

"The boys are hurting after last week's loss and how the season has gone so far," he admitted.

"In saying that, we are really excited for this weekend. The mood in the camp is positive, we're in a good space.

"It's a massive challenge against Toulouse, we know what they bring to this competition, but it's a challenge we're all looking forward to and one we've been working hard towards.

"Our results haven't been up to standard, but as a group there are no excuses and we are working hard to put the Sharks back where they deserve to be. We're fighting as hard as we can as a group to turn this around and we have the ideal chance on Sunday to show that fight.

"We have 80 minutes to do our best, we have plans in place and we're looking forward to going out there and giving our best."

Sharks - 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko.

Replacements - 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Jannes Potgieter, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Phikolomzi Sobahle.