Australian centre Ben Tapuai is among the players who will make a first appearance for the Sharks in the Toyota Challenge clash against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

Tapuai was among the host of signings to have joined the Sharks prior to the start of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign.

The 32-year-old won seven Test caps for the Wallabies between 2011 and 2012, while he also won a Super Rugby title with the Reds in 2011 and was part of the Harlequins squad that won the Premiership last season.

Another new signing, Samoan flank Olajuwon ‘OJ’ Noah, will also make a starting debut, while former Western Province and Stormers prop Dian Bleuler has been named on the bench.

Joining Bleuler on the bench is fullback Aphelele Fassi, who was this week released from the Springbok tour squad.

The Sharks will be captained by No 8 Henco Venter.

Kick off for Saturday’s match in Bloemfontein is at 2pm.

Sharks – 15 Rynhardt Jonker, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Henco Venter (c), 7 OJ Noah, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Khuta Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Subs:16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Aphelele Fassi.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images