Bjorn Basson will make his first start for the Kings in one of three changes to their starting XV for the clash against the Dragons in Newport on Saturday.

The former Springbok, Bulls and Western Province wing, who joined the Kings this year after leaving Oyonnax, comes in for fullback Michael Botha, who was ruled out of the game with a groin injury.

As a result, regular wing Yaw Penxe shifts to fullback in the only change to the Kings’ backline.

There are two further changes among the forwards as the Kings’ longest-serving player, Andisa Ntsila, makes a return to the loose trio.

In a rotational change, Stephan de Wit replaces Brandon Brown at openside flank.

Kings – 15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Michael Makase, 13 Harlon Klassen, 12 Berton Klassen, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Masixole Banda, 9 Rudi van Rooyen, 8 Andisa Ntsila, 7 Martinus Burger, 6 Stephan de Wit, 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 Lupumlo Mguca, 19 JC Astle, 20 Ruaan Lerm, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Martin du Toit, 23 Ulrich Beyers.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images