While he takes over from Andrew Wagstaff, the other changes are in the back row where former English international Steve Ojomoh replaces Gareth Gravell and Andrew Powell returns at No 8 in place of Joe Powell.
“This is a do or die match for us. We have got to take the game to Toulouse,” said Newport skipper Simon Raiwalui.
“If we give them an inch, they will take a mile – we must get stuck into them and try to put them off their game.
“Toulouse are a quality side and a good team to play against. But this game is not about the opposition, it is all about how Newport perform.
“We have got to come out and go for it. You can expect a very pumped up Newport team on Friday night.”
Shane Howarth scored 16 points in a 21-20 victory for Newport over Toulouse in the Heineken Cup at Rodney Parade last season. In the return game, Toulouse ran out 36-23 winners.
NEWPORT RUGBY: Shane Howarth; Matt Pini, Matt Mostyn, Andy Marinos, Luke Nabaro; Jason Strange, Ofisa Tonu’u; Rod Snow, James Richards, Chris Anthony, Simon Raiwalui (captain), Mike Voyle, Steve Ojomoh, Jason Forster, Andrew Powell.
Replacements: Ceri Jones, Paul Young, Matthew Veater, Joe Powell, Hal Luscombe, Scott Williams, Dale Burn.
