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Outside centre Wayne Stevens will lead the EP Kings in Friday evening's first leg of the promotion-relegation playoffs against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Stevens takes over the captaincy after lock Darren Nell suffered a slight calf tear in the 26 - 25 win over the Pumas in the Currie Cup first division final last week.
Reynier Bernardo comes in for Nell.
Tiger Mangweni is rested after a gruelling season and his place at inside centre is taken by Shane Gates.
Wesley Dunlop starts at flyhalf with George Whitehead dropping to the bench.
Jaco Engels returns at loosehead prop for Schalk Ferreira who is ruled out with a concussion.
Hooker Hannes Franklin takes over the vice captaincy and says he looks forward to taking on his opposite number and springbok Adriaan Strauss
