Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry said they were expecting a tough encounter with one of the leading South African conference teams.
"The Sharks are a traditional South African side, big and strong upfront and a little more belligerent than other sides. They will be keen to take us on in the forward pack so we need to stick to the basics and ensure we focus on our core roles especially in our tight five."
After tomorrow's game the Chiefs return to their home base to prepare for the home match against the Hurricanes in Hamilton on April 28.
Meanwhile, in a new initiative the Chiefs have announced a Chiefs regional schools 1st XV competition at the start of the school rugby season.
The top ranked schools in 2011 from Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Thames Valley and King Country will play in a two tier knockout competition for the Chiefs Cup and the Chiefs Trophy.
Chiefs high performance manager Chris Tindall said it was great to get a region-wide schools competition in place to give the boys a chance to play other schools outside of their province.
Tindall said the knockout cup-style format was something different which would provide a positive experience for the boys from which to learn.
"First XV rugby plays a key part in the development of the best young players in the region, and this initiative fits with the Chiefs working with our provincial unions to assist rugby development and build success in the Chiefs region," he said.
Rotorua has two schools taking part in the competition. Rotorua Boys' High School will compete in the Chiefs Cup, while Western Heights High School will take part in the Chiefs Trophy.
Chiefs squad: Arizona Taumalolo, Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Tameifuna, Craig Clarke (captain), Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Alex Bradley, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Sonny Bill Williams, Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga, Andrew Horrell. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Josh Hohneck, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Willison, Robbie Robinson.
