The Southern Kings have a fight on their hands to stay in Super Rugby next year after losing the first leg of their promotion-relegation playoff 26-19 against the Lions in Port Elizabeth.
The two teams are trying to become the fifth South African franchise to qualify for next year's championship.
The Lions are looking to get back in the competition after missing out in 2013.
The Kings, in their maiden Super Rugby campaign, finished bottom with three wins from 16 matches and must win the second leg at Ellis Park next week to avoid dropping out of the competition.
