Springbok winger JP Pietersen will make his centre debut for the Sharks in their opening Super 15 match against the Bulls in Pretoria tomorrow night.

New signings Tim Whitehead and Riaan Viljoen were also named in the starting XV for the first time in a competitive match for the Durban side, while Dale Chadwick's selection in the front row means three debutants will start. Another debutant, Paul Jordaan, sits on the bench.

Pietersen played all the pre-season games in midfield, where he impressed, while centre Whitehead and fullback Viljoen, who joined from Western Province and Griquas respectively, have also fitted in admirably.

Chadwick was one of the stand-out players for a young Sharks team during last season's Currie Cup campaign.

Steven Sykes is also back in the Black and White and starts at lock.

TEAM: Riaan Viljoen, Louis Ludik, JP Pietersen, Tim Whitehead, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Frederic Michalak, Ryan Kankowski, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel (captain), Anton Bresler, Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Dale Chadwick. Replacements: Craig Burden, Wiehahn Herbst, Ross Skeate, Jacques Botes, Charl McLeod, Meyer Bosman, Paul Jordaan.