THEY will take the field against the touring Lions known as the Southern Kings. However, a more apt name would probably be the EP Barbarians.

The reasoning behind the statement is that a talented squad has been assembled to take on Donncha O‘Callaghan‘s unbeaten side at the opening of the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this afternoon.

However, it is one thing assembling a talented squad, but it is far more difficult to get them working together as an effective unit in the space of just one week.

This responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of former Bok assistant coach Alan Solomons and he will only know by this afternoon whether his efforts have been successful or not.

The Kings finished off their preparations at the new stadium yesterday afternoon, while the British visitors only arrived in Port Elizabeth last night.

A record crowd is expected to spur the Southern Kings on and, hopefully, the players will respond with a display worthy of their talents and the special occasion.

Fortunately, the Lions will be fielding their second string and this should give captain Derrick Kuun and company the opportunity to test their skills to the limit.

There is certainly enough experience in the Kings outfit, with the likes of Springboks De Wet Barry and Jaco van der Westhuyzen marshalling the troops in the back division, while Kuun, Jaco Engels and Ross Skeate should lead the way up front.

There is also an East Cape flavour in the Kings starting line-up. Fullback Tiger Mangweni, wing Wylie Human, No8 Darron Nell, Mpho Mbiyozo and, of course, Solly Tyibilika, are originally from this region as well as hooker Delarey du Preez, Josh Fowles, Bevan Fortuin and Mzwandile Stick, who are on the bench.

The players who can create all sorts of problems for the Kings defence if they are provided with quality possession are fullback Keith Earls, wing Shan Williams and centre Gordon D‘Arcy.

Captain for the day O‘Callaghan and the highly experienced Simon Shaw will be leading the Lions from the front in their bid to retain their unbeaten record on tour.

The teams are:

SOUTHERN KINGS: Tiger Mangweni, Wylie Human, Frikkie Welsh, De Wet Barry, Matthew Turner, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Francois Hougaard, Darron Nell, Mpho Mbiyozo, Solly Tyibilika, Ross Skeate, Ruan Vermeulen, Derick Kuun (c), Jaco Engels. Reserves: Delarey du Preez, Dean Greyling, Lungelo Payi, Dries van Schalkwyk, Josh Fowles, Bevin Fortuin, Mzwandile Stick.

LIONS: Keith Earls, Shane Williams, Riki Flutey, Gordon D‘Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, James Hook, Mike Nathan Hines, Donncha O‘Callaghan (c), Simon Shaw, Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Andrew Sheridan. Reserves: Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Tom Croft, David Wallace, Harry Ellis, Ronan O‘Gara, Ugo Monye.

Kick-off 3pm.