Kings face an explosive open gambit
Willemse to lead the side and rally the troops for what will be a testing campaign.
Scarlets were given a boost earlier this month when they signed British and Irish Lions star Leigh Halfpenny on a three-year contract.
Though he has been rested for the club’s pre-season friendlies, Halfpenny is expected to make his debut against the Kings.
Scarlets said they could not have afforded the 28-year-old without the cash injection brought about by the arrival of the Cheetahs and Kings into the Pro14.
Halfpenny has agreed a national dual contract with the Pro14 champions and the Welsh Rugby Union, having reportedly turned down an offer to rejoin Cardiff Blues.
Halfpenny, who had also been linked with a move to Wasps, Bath and Leicester, was surprisingly released by Toulon last season.
It is believed Halfpenny had wanted a deal that expired immediately after the 2019 World Cup in order to pave the way for a move to Super Rugby but, with offers and time running out, he signed for Scarlets.
“I’m delighted to be coming back to play in Wales,” Halfpenny, who came off the bench in the first Lions Test against New Zealand, said.
“I would like to thank the Scarlets and the Welsh Rugby Union for giving me the opportunity to sign a national dual contract and can’t wait to get started.” The Kings squad is: Forwards: Tango Balekile, Stephan Coetzee, Rossouw de Klerk, Bobby de Wee, Martin Dreyer, Schalk Ferreira, Khaya Majola, Siyabulela Mdaka, Andisa Ntsila, Luvuyo Pupuma, Victor Sekekete, Entienne Swanepoel, Dries van Schalkwyk Jurie van Vuuren, Michael Willemse (capt).
Backs: Masixole Banda, Kurt Coleman, Ntabeni Dukisa, Rowan Gouws, Berton Klaasen, Godlen Masimla, Jacques Nel, Yaw Penxe, Sibusiso Sithole, Rudi van Rooyen, Luzuko Vulindlu and Oliver Zono.