Nonu back but Giteau a sub for Toulon in Clermont final

Former New Zealand international Ma'a Nonu returns to start at inside centre for Toulon in the Top 14 final against Clermont on Sunday but Matt Giteau is only on the bench.

Wallaby great Giteau will play his final match for Toulon before heading to Japan but will have to be content with a place on the replacement's bench.

But two other departing Aussies start as James O'Connor, who will return to Queensland Reds at trhe end of the season, replaces British and Irish Lions bound Leigh Halfpenny at full-back, having started at inside centre in the 18-15 semi-final win over La Rochelle.

Drew Mitchell retains his place on the left wing in his final match before retirement, but South Africa flyer Bryan Habana is not even in the match-day 23.

Nonu missed the semi-final for personal reasons but has taken his usual role in the No.12 jersey.

Youngster Anthony Belleau retained his place at fly-half following his last gasp drop goal gave Toulon victory in Marseille last weekend.

It means France No.10 Francois Trinh-Duc has to be content with a place on the bench as he returns from injury.

Toulon's starting XV includes nine southern hemisphere players and just six Frenchmen.

For Clermont, Australian second row Sitaleki Timani comes in for the injured Sebastien Vahaamahina in the only change from their semi-final win over reigning champions Racing 92.

Teams:

Clermont: Nick Abendanon; David Strettle; Damian Penaud, Remi Lamerat, Alivereti Raka; Camille Lopez, Morgan Parra; Fritz Lee, Judicael Cancoriet, Damien Chouly (capt); Sitaleki Timani, Arthur Iturria; Davit Zirakashvili, Benjamin Kayser, Raphael Chaume

Replacements: John Ulugia, Etienne Falgoux, Paul Jedrasiak, Peceli Yato, Ludovic Radosavljevic, Patricio Fernandez, Aurelien Rougerie, Aaron Jarvis

Toulon: James O'Connor; Josua Tuisova, Mathieu Bastareaud, Ma'a Nonu, Drew Mitchell; Anthony Belleau, Sebastien Tillous-Borde; Duane Vermeulen, Liam Gill, Juanne Smith; Romain Taofifenua, Juandre Kruger; Marcel Van der Merwe, Guilhem Guirado, Laurent Delboulbes

Replacaements: Anthony Etrillard, Xavier Chiocci, Mamuka Gorgodze, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Francois Trinh-Duc, Matt Giteau, Eric Escande, Levan Chilachava