Sykes leads new Kings
Kings head coach Deon Davids said he had selected Sykes based on his experience and because he had shown leadership in the group.
"We gave Edgar [Marutlulle] and Schalk [Ferreira] leadership opportunities during the session against NMMU Madibaz last week, and want to see how Sykes will manage the role," said Sykes.
"It is important that you have a few leaders available to you in the group."
Davids said he was looking forward to the hit out against the Eagles, who had put in a stellar performance against the Stormers last week, 
having lead the game up until the 50th minute.
Davids said his aim for the pre-season preparations was to ensure that each player received enough game-time before they face the Sharks in their Super Rugby opener at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on February 27.
"This week we will be focusing more on specific combinations of players, as well as improving on areas identified during last week's hit out against the Madibaz," he said.
"This will be an important game for us, especially from a match fitness perspective, as it will be our first full length match."
Teams:
SWD Eagles: 15 Jacquin Jansen, 14 Charles Radebe, 13 Wilneth Engelbrecht, 12 Martin du Toit (captain), 11 Hentzwill Pedro, 10 Leegan Moos, 9 Johan Steyn, 8 Christo Du Plessis, 7 Davon Raubenheimer, 6 Buran Parks, 5 Grant Le Roux, 4 Peet van der Walt 3 Dean Hopp, 2 Mark Pretorius, 1 Juandre Digue.
Replacements – from: Kurt Haupt, Mzo Dyantyi, Brianton Booysen, Dillon Snell, Layle Delo, Creswin Josephs, Pieter Stemmet, Fizel Fredericks, Bredni Bestenbier, Clint Wagman, Eben Davids, Daniel Roberts, Lyndon Hartnick, Lenesteyo Nomdo, Gerswin Muller, Joseph Fortuin, Devron Jansen, Jurgen Schoeman, Marco Kruger, Wayne Khan.
Southern Kings: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Luzuko Vulundlu, 13 JP du Plessis, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Michael Makashe, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Ntando Kebe, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Steven Sykes (captain), 4 Schalk Oelofse, 3 Jacobie Adriaans, 2 Edgar Marutlulle, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements – from: Vukile Sofisa, Martin Bezuidenhout, Tom Botha, Tazz Fuzanie, JC Astle, Cornell Hess, CJ Velleman, Stephan Willemse, Junior Pokemela, Leighton Eksteen, James Hall, Theuns Kotze, Shane Gates, Siyanda Grey, JP Jonck.
Date: Friday, February 5
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Quinton Immelman
