VIDEO - PORT ELIZABETH - SOUTHERN KINGS NAME THEIR TEAM TO FACE OFF AGAINST SHARKS

The Eastern Cape Super Rugby franchise, the Southern Kings, have named their team for the tournament opener against the Durban based Sharks.

A number of the players will be familiar to the Eastern Cape faithful when the side runs out in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium over the weekend.

The preparation for their re-entry into Super Rugby has been far from ideal as financial problems at Eastern Province rugby led to the Super Rugby franchise being taken over by Saru.

But the team is positive and a 31-man squad has also been submitted to the SA Rugby Union (Saru).

The team will be captained by one of the stalwarts of the 2013 Southern Kings Super Rugby side, Steven Sykes.

The side boasts some experienced players, but also a number of debutants.

Southern Kings Coach Deon Davids, says, “The players have responded nice to our training. We started late, but we are happy with the progress we have made as a team. It has not been easy for us, but we are doing well as a team. It’s not going to be easy against the Sharks. My players really want do well and showcase their talent.”

Since Saru took over, not all the EP Kings players secured Super Rugby contracts.

The Eastern Province Rugby Union also faces a liquidation application following the non-payment of players. But the state of affairs doesn't seem to have hampered their preparation.

Southern Kings Captain Steven Sykes, says, “We want focus on what we can achieve. Sharks is a formidable side and training this week has been good. Players have shown signs of maturing and improvement. So, we want focus on the game on Saturday.”

The Southern Kings' campaign starts with the 3 o'clock kick-off on Saturday.