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Foreign 'dilemma' for Kings

Cape Town - It looks unlikely that any of the Kings' foreign players will be included in the starting line-up for their first Super Rugby outing against the Force in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

According to Die Burger's website, injuries to a few of their imports are hindering their chances of selection.

Argentine scrumhalf Nicolas Vergallo is struggling with a muscle injury in his lower body, while his compatriot, flank Tomas Leonardi, is struggling with a chest injury.

Also, French hooker Virgile Lacombe will be sidelined for a few more weeks with a back injury.

This leaves Kenyan forward Daniel Adongo and Kiwi utility back Hadleigh Parkes as their only fit overseas players. However, according to Die Burger, Adongo and Parkes are expected to be included on the bench when the Kings name their side on Tuesday.

There will also be more clarity regarding the Kings' final group for Super Rugby. They recently included all five imports in a 35-man squad released to SANZAR, ignoring the South African Rugby Union's rule which allows only two foreign players.

With Vergallo out injured, either Shaun Venter or Johan Herbst will start at scrumhalf, and with Leonardi likely out of contention, Cornell du Preez, Wimpie Van der Walt and Luke Watson should make up the loose trio. Bandise Maku wil start at hooker, with Edgar Marutlulle taking what could have been Lacombe's position on the bench.

The clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 19:10 on Saturday night.
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