New signing Ulrich Beyers has been named in the Kings’ match 23 for Friday’s game against Zebre in Parma.

The centre joined the Kings from the Bulls just last week, but has been fast-tracked into the side due to injuries across the backline. Beyers and prop Luphumlo Mguca will make their debuts for the Kings if they come off the bench.

The side will be led by hooker Michael Willemse, who will scrum down beside props Luvuyo Pupuma and Justin Forwood. Bobby de Wee and Schalk Oelofse are the starting locks, while debutant Bakkies Brown completes the back row alongside Ruaan Lerm and Tienie Burger.

Fullback Michael Botha is the only new signing included in the backline, with the five other players all regular starters for the Kings last season.

Kings – 15 Michael Botha, 14 Michael Makase, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 Berton Klaasen, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Masixole Banda, 9 Poerie van Rooyen, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Tienie Burger, 6 Bakkies Brown, 5 Bobby de Wee, 4 Schalk Oelofse, 3 Luvuyo Pupuma, 2 Michael Willemse (c), 1 Justin Forwood.
Subs: 16 Alandre van Rooyen, 17 Schalk Ferreira, 18 Luphumlo Mguca, 19 JC Astle, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Martin du Toit, 23 Ulrich Beyers.

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images