History is set to be made at DHL Stadium on Friday, 7 August 2026 (19:10 SAST kick-off), as the DHL Stormers line up against the All Blacks for the very first time in franchise history. The landmark match kicks off New Zealand’s high-stakes “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour across South Africa.
Nel Leads the Charge; Fresh Faces Earn Matchday Call-Ups
Outside centre Ruhan Nel will captain the Stormers side for this marquee encounter. He is paired in midfield with Jonathan Roche, while 20-year-old flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed makes his Stormers debut alongside scrumhalf Imad Khan.
The back three brings plenty of pace with Seabelo Senatla and Leolin Zas on the wings alongside fullback Warrick Gelant.
In the pack, hooker André-Hugo Venter anchors the front row with props Vernon Matongo and Neethling Fouché. Second-row pair Connor Evans and Adré Smith start at lock, while the loose forward trio brings proven championship chemistry: Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani, and Deon Fourie reunite for the first time since starting together in the Stormers’ 2022 URC Grand Final victory.
John Dobson on the Historic Encounter
“This is history in the making as the Stormers take on New Zealand for the first time, and our team is determined to make it one to remember for our fans.”
“For a club side to take on an international team ranked second in the world is a massive opportunity and one that every player and management member is looking forward to.”
Official Matchday Teams
| Position | 🌩️ DHL Stormers | 🇳🇿 All Blacks |
| 15 Fullback | Warrick Gelant | Josh Moorby |
| 14 Right Wing | Seabelo Senatla | Leroy Carter |
| 13 Outside Centre | Ruhan Nel (C) | Billy Proctor |
| 12 Inside Centre | Jonathan Roche | Anton Lienert-Brown |
| 11 Left Wing | Leolin Zas | Rieko Ioane |
| 10 Flyhalf | Yaqeen Ahmed | Beauden Barrett |
| 9 Scrumhalf | Imad Khan | Cortez Ratima |
| 8 Eighthman | Evan Roos | Wallace Sititi |
| 7 Flanker | Hacjivah Dayimani | Peter Lakai |
| 6 Flanker | Deon Fourie | Simon Parker |
| 5 Lock | Connor Evans | Patrick Tuipulotu (C) |
| 4 Lock | Adré Smith | Fabian Holland |
| 3 Tighthead Prop | Neethling Fouché | Pasilio Tosi |
| 2 Hooker | André-Hugo Venter | Samisoni Taukei’aho |
| 1 Loosehead Prop | Vernon Matongo | George Bower |
| Replacements | 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane | 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Caleb Clarke |
