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Coleman at flyhalf for Kings

Flyhalf Kurt Coleman and scrumhalf Godlen Masimla both return to the starting XV. Martin Du Toit and Rowan Gouws move to the bench in order to accommodate Coleman and Masimla and, in the only other change to the backline, veteran Alshaun Bock takes over from the injured Anthony Volmink on the wing.

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The single change made to the forward pack is injury enforced too – hooker and captain Michael Willemse damaged the medial ligament in his left knee in the win against the Dragons and, according to team doctor Lizanne Pieterse, is expected to be out of action for as long as eight weeks. 

Willemse's place in the starting XV is taken by Stephan Coetzee with Tango Balekile included as replacement hooker on the bench. 

Other changes amongst the replacements see Lubabalo Mtyanda and Lusando Badiyana selected in place of Lindokuhle Welemu and Dries van Schalkwyk.

Commenting on the upcoming fixture coach Davids said he was expecting a tough and physical encounter. 

"Benetton will have all their international players back for this game and will be keen to bounce back after having lost their last match but we are really looking forward to the contest," he said.

Southern Kings: 15 Masixole Banda, 14 Michael Makase, 13 Berton Klaasen, 12 Luzuko Vulindlu, 11 Alshaun Bock, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Tienie Burger, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Bobby de Wee, 4 Stephan Greeff, 3 Pieter Scholtz, 2 Stephan Coetzee, 1 Schalk Ferreira (captain).

Replacements: 16 Tango Balekile, 17 Johan Smith, 18 Luvuyo Pupuma, 19 Lubabalo Mtyanda, 20 Lusanda Badiyana, 21 Rowan Gouws, 22 Martin du Toit, 23 Jacques Nel.

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Date: Saturday, March 24

Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 Italy time; 13.00 GMT)

Referee: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Rodney Boneparte (South Africa)

TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

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