The Waratahs’ hired muscle has arrived in town, with Springboks wrecking ball Jacques Potgieter joining NSW teammates in Albury.

Coach Michael Cheika wants his side to be the toughest in Super Rugby this year, and marquee signing Potgieter – who stands at 194cm and weighs 115kg – will be appointed chief enforcer.

The 27-year-old back-rower earned three caps for South Africa in 2012 after impressing with his physical and intimidatory approach for the Bulls.

Cheika said at the time of Potgieter’s signing last year that he wanted a “no-nonsense, hard and strong ball carrier and tackler” to inject into his forward pack.

Meanwhile, Cheika has named his starting 15 for Saturday night’s trial against Melbourne, with Kurtley Beale getting first crack at five-eighth ahead of Bernard Foley, and fellow newcomers Jono Lance and Tala Gray also named.

Potgieter won’t play in Albury after returning from a stint in Japanese rugby, however coaching staff will look to bring him up to speed quickly with structures and plays.

“He’s a cult hero around the club already,” said halfback Nick Phipps.

“Everyone is looking forward to him arriving. He’s huge … an absolute wrecking ball.

“Cheik said he wanted someone like that in the second row. He wants the forwards to be intense and intimidating and physical.”

The Waratahs have been put through a gruelling pre-season and, so far, the hard-nosed approach appears to have paid off – with only one member of their extended squad carrying an injury.

“Cheik’s made no hesitation in saying he wants us to be the fittest and toughest team in the comp,” Phipps said.

Waratahs starting 15: Ben Volavola, Peter Betham, Rob Horne, Jono Lance, Matt Carraro, Kurtley Beale, Brendan McKibbin, Tala Gray, Pat McCutcheon, Stephen Hoiles, Will Skelton, Greg Peterson, Paddy Ryan, Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse