Brian Liebenberg: Back after a long injury lay-off

With Top 14 clubs facing a hectic schedule of three matches in nine days, Cheika has chosen to leave out a host of international players in order to rest them for next Wednesday's home match against Castres.

Forwards Dimitri Szarzewski, Sergio Parisse, Julien Dupuy, Rodrigo Roncero and Tom Palmer are all on the bench along with backs Lionel Beauxis and Mathieu Bastareaud. Lock Pascal Pape and wing Julien Arias are not even making the trip.

"It is in the spirit of the game to have two competitive sides, we have to do it," said Cheika.

"We cannot buy this second team so we have to take advantage of occasions such as this."

The move also sees former French international Brian Liebenberg back in the starting XV as he continues to comeback after missing most of last season due to injury.

Liebenberg's physical presence and booming boot were sorely missed in midfield last season. The prospect of the South African-born centre teaming up with Bastareaud will have Stade fans watering at the mouth.

Cheika's plan is to hope his hybrid team can stay in touch with Toulouse in the first half before he brings on his big guns to in the second period. If things go pear-shaped in the first 40 minutes, the Australian coach can keep his powder cry for Wednesday's clash with Castres.

Toulouse, who have still not been able to integrate their full compliment of international players after the summer break, will not be complaining about the absence of so many of the Stade pack as they struggled up front in their 22-16 defeat to Castres last week.