Sykes leads Kings into battle
Sykes will be part of pack that sees flank Chris Cloete, who impressed during last year's Currie Cup with Western province, forms a strong looking back row with Jacques Engelbrecht and Thembelani Bholi.
JC Astle will be Sykes' second row partner with Tom Botha, Martin Ferreira and Schalk Ferreira forming the front row.
In the backline, former Bulls fullback Jurgen Visser is part of a back three, which features Luzuko Vulindlu and Malcom Jaer.
Elgar Watts is entrusted with the playmaking duties at flyhalf with Ntando Kebe in the No.9 jersey.
JP du Plessis and Shane Gates will partner in the midfield.
Southern Kings: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Luzuko Vulindlu, 13 JP du Plessis, 12 Shane Gates, 11 Malcolm Jaer, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Ntando Kebe, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 JC Astle, 4 Steven Sykes (captain), 3 Tom Botha, 2 Martin Ferreira, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Sithembiso Sithole, 18 TBC, 19 Schalk Oelofse, 20 Cyril-John Velleman, 21 Leighton Eksteen, 22 Louis Fouché, 23 Charles Radebe.
Date: Saturday, February 27
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Rodney Bonaparte (South Africa), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
