All Blacks name side to take on Stormers

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named a strong 23-man squad for Friday night’s historic clash against the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, with experienced lock Patrick Tuipulotu captaining the side.

The fixture, which kicks off at 19:10, marks the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour and will be the first-ever meeting between the All Blacks and the Stormers.

Tuipulotu will captain New Zealand for just the second time, having previously led the side against Japan in October 2024.

Two potential debutants

The All Blacks could hand first appearances in the famous black jersey to prop Siale Lauaki and utility back Josh Jacomb, who have both been named on the bench.

Seven other players will make their first All Blacks appearance of the year, including Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane.

Veteran flyhalf Beauden Barrett starts at No 10, earning his 145th appearance (including one non-Test match), while Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane provide plenty of experience in the backline.

Rennie expecting physical battle

Rennie congratulated the debutants and said the squad was eager to begin the South African tour.

“Firstly, I want to congratulate the new All Blacks Siale and Josh. It will be a very exciting and proud day for them and their families,” he said.

“We’ve had a great welcome in Cape Town and we’re excited to get this tour underway.

“We are really pleased with how our leaders, including match-day captain Patrick and tour captain Codie, have prepared the group. We can’t wait for Friday.”

The coach also expects a stern challenge from John Dobson’s Stormers.

“We’re well aware of how good this Stormers side is. They made the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship last year and they are a big, physical side with a mix of talented youngsters and Springboks, so we are preparing for a real war of attrition.”

Historic occasion

Although the All Blacks have faced Western Province five times in the past – winning three and losing two – Friday’s encounter will be their first against the Stormers since the franchise era began.

It will also be New Zealand’s second appearance at the Cape Town Stadium, with all 10 previous Test matches in Cape Town having been played at Newlands.

Overall, the All Blacks have played 25 matches in Cape Town, winning 17, losing seven and drawing one.

Teams

Stormers

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 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

New Zealand

15 Josh Moorby, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Leinert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peer Lakai, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 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

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)

Your score prediction for the match?

Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …