It will be a timely debut for the hard-running Australian, as the Sharks will be without fly-half Charlie Hodgson for the trip to Scotland.

The Australian centre has joined the Manchester-based side after being informed that he was not in the Wallabies' plans for the 2003 World Cup.

And although the former ACT Brumby cannot wait to get into the action, he is not exactly certain what to expect once he gets on the field.

"I've settled in very well and I'm currently looking for a house, but the club set-up here is excellent and I'm looking forward to running out in Sale colours," Bond told BBC Sport Online.

"It's difficult to make a judgment on the Heineken Cup versus Super 12 until I've played a game, but I'm looking forward to Friday when I'll be partnering Mel Deane at centre."

Bond said that he had always wanted to play outside Australia but admitted that he did not know a great deal about Sale before arriving in England.

"I always wanted to play abroad to experience new places and make new friends," he said.

"When I discovered that I wasn't in Australia's plans for the World Cup I thought it was a perfect time to move on.

Attractive style

"I didn't know much about the club before I came here but I've been very impressed so far.

"Clearly I knew a few players - and I was aware that Jason Robinson was here. Sale contacted me and everything felt right so I just thought 'why not?'"

The Australian knew enough about the club to be attracted by their fluid, ball-in-hand style, and he is looking forward to helping Sale build a bright future.

"I'm over here for a few years, so in my first season I just want to secure my place in the side and settle in," he said.

"I need to make sure I'm doing the job I've been contracted to do and hopefully we can win some more silverware and I'll move on from there."