The long-anticipated “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour kicks off in Cape Town as the Stormers host the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Friday night. The clash marks the first professional-era encounter between the Stormers and New Zealand’s national team, launching an eight-match tour across South Africa ahead of the four-Test Freedom Cup series against the Springboks.
Match Details & Line-Ups
- Date & Time: Friday, 7 August 2026 at 19:00 SAST
- Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
- Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Team Line-Ups
- Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
- 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.
- All Blacks: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 George Bower.
- Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Caleb Clarke.
Key Storylines
- Historic Context: While Western Province defeated New Zealand in 1928 (10-3) and 1976 (12-11), this is the first time the Stormers identity faces the All Blacks.
- Coach’s Stance: All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie emphasized that testing new combinations against a strong URC side is vital prep for the upcoming Springbok Test series.
- Local Support: The All Blacks expect strong crowd backing in the Western Cape, where New Zealand rugby has historically maintained a passionate fanbase.
