DWAYNE Peel and Mathew Tait will both make their eagerly-awaited debuts for Sale Sharks tonight in their Edgeley Park friendly against Leeds (kick-off 8pm).

The two highest-profile captures of the summer didn't feature in either of the Sharks' pre-season outings in France earlier this month with full-back Tait excused following his summer tour of duty with England to New Zealand.

Wales and British Lions scrum-half Peel, meanwhile, was still fine-tuning his recovery from surgery to his shoulder.

So for director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre it's a long-awaited first opportunity to see how his two latest genuine rugby thoroughbreds shape up as he hones his preparations ahead of Sale's Guinness Premiership opener at Newcastle on September 7.

Also taking their place in a strong-looking Sharks side will be fellow newcomers Luke Abraham and David Doherty in what should be a useful workout against a Leeds side who were relegated last season.

"I have named a strong line-up for this game and am delighted that Dwayne Peel and Mathew Tait will get some quality game time," said Saint-Andre.

"Jason White won't figure as he is still recovering from surgery as is Chris Bell while Sebastien Chabal picked up a knock in training."

Prior to tonight's main event, Sale Jets will take on Sedgley Tigers (kick-off 6pm) with the Jets featuring a number of players with extensive expereince.

"We have several players in our team for this game with a wealth of first team experience such as Neil Briggs, Stuart Turner, Oriol Ripol, Brent Cockbain and Scott Lawson. I will also be giving Andy Tuilagi, who arrived this week, a run out at centre," Saint-Andre added.

"I have not made my mind up on the starting line-up for the first Guinness Premiership game at Newcastle and tonight's double header will give all the players a chance to impress.

"It will also be nice to play a game in front of our own fans again too."

Meanwile Sale's preparations ahead of the big kick-off have been further boosted by the arrival of lock Kristian Ormsby from New Zealand.

Head Coach Kingsley Jones said, " Kristian is a great competitor who will be an important member of our squad. He has joined us for all the right reasons and he is glad to be here and met his new team mates yesterday."

SALE: Rory Lamont, Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait, Luke McAlister, David Doherty, Charlie Hodgson, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Sheridan, Sebastien Bruno, Eifion Roberts, Sean Cox, Dean Schofield (Captain), Chris Jones, Luke Abraham, Carl Fearns

Replacements: Lionel Faure, Marc Jones, Michael Hills, Richard Wigglesworth, Nick McLeod, Nick Royle plus four

How do you think Sale will do this season? Have your say.