Kings captain Michael Willemse has returned to the starting lineup for their clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Willemse replaces Stephan Coetzee and will reclaim the armband from prop Schalk Ferreira.

The lineup also features the return of flank Andisa Ntsila in place of Eital Bredenkamp.

Among the backline, an injury to Oliver Zono means that Martin du Toit will move from centre to flyhalf, while Luzuko Vulindlu will replace Du Toit in the No 12 jersey.

Harlon Klaasen will make his first start of the season in place of Berton Klaasen, while Yaw Penxe switches from fullback to left wing in place of Anthony Volmink, who will miss the game due to illness. Ntabeni Dukisa starts at fullback.

‘Ntabeni offers us an option as a place-kicker and has made good use of the opportunities he’s been given so far this season, he deserves a start,’ said Kings coach Deon Davids.

‘We played well at times [against the Cheetahs last weekend], particularly in the second half, but poor execution at critical times cost us and they were quick to capitalise. When you make errors against a quality side at this level, they punish you.’

Kings – 15 Ntabeni Dukisa, 14 Michael Makase, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 Luzuko Vulindlu, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Martin du Toit, 9 Rowan Gouws, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Burger Martinus, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Bobby de Wee, 4 Stephan Greeff, 3 Pieter Scholtz, 2 Michael Willemse (c), 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Subs: 16 Tango Balekile, 17 Johan Smith, 18 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19 Lindokuhle Welemu, 20 Eital Bredenkamp, 21 Rudi van Rooyen, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Berton Klaasen.

Photo: Gallo Images