against the eastern Cape team and New Zealand-born coach Matt Sexton.

After many years of unfulfilled promises to elevate the Kings and boost the sport in the area of the country with the most black rugby players, they had a "boardroom" promotion at the expense of bottom 2012 team the Lions.

But if the doom-and-gloom merchants are to be believed and a Kings side short of stars and depth finish last in the South African conference, they will face a play-off with the Lions for a 2014 place.

Captain and loose forward Luke Watson has plenty of Super experience with Western Stormers, and a kind draw which sees them start at home to Australian strugglers Western Force might provide some desperately needed momentum.

An outstanding defence helped get them to the semi-finalslast year, but a shock home loss to the Sharks meant another knockout disappointment for a team expected to be among the title challengers yet again this season.

They have gained from the demotion of the Lions with fly-half Elton Jantjies and full-back/centre Jaco Taute moving south to Cape Town from Johannesburg for the Super Rugby campaign.

Jantjies, whose limited game time with the Springboks last season triggered media and public criticism of coach Heyneke Meyer, faces stiff competition for the No. 10 shirt from Peter Grant, with both excellent goal-kickers.

The return of veteran flank Schalk Burger after a season on the sidelines is a huge boost although the injury curse has struck again with young lock Eben Etzebeth not expected to play for two months because of torn ankle