RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesNew Zealand embark on their “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour with an opening clash with the Stormers in Cape Town.
The All Blacks are set to take on world champions South Africa in four Tests as part of a new reciprocal touring agreement between the two powerhouse nations.
Dave Rennie’s side know they will have to be at their best against the Springboks, but made a promising start to life under the new head coach during the Nations Championship in July.
Rennie will use these warm-up encounters to figure out his best side with a fortnight or so until the first Test in Johannesburg.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Stormers vs New Zealand?
The Stormers host the All Blacks on Friday 7 August at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, with kick off at 6pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Mix after the broadcaster struck a deal to show every game from the series. A live stream will be available via Sky Go.
Team news
The Stormers blend some exciting youth with plenty of experience and quality. Fly half Yaqeen Ahmed is fresh from steeering South Africa’s Under-20s to World Junior Championship glory in Georgia, and has Warrick Gelant as a playmaking partner at full-back.
There is a real strength in the back row with veteran Deon Fourie alongside Hacjivah Dayminani and Evan Roos, while six more forwards wait on the bench.
Stormers XV: 1 Vernon Matongo, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 3 Neethling Fouche; 4 Adre Smith, 5 Connor Evans; 6 Deon Fourie, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 8 Evan Roos; 9 Imad Khan, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed; 11 Leolin Zas, 12 Jonathan Roche, 13 Ruhan Nel (capt.), 14 Seabelo Senatla; 15 Warrick Gelant.
Replacements : 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba; 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Patrick Tuipulotu captains New Zealand from the second row with Ardie Savea rested from the start of this tour and Codie Taylor not involved. Tuipulotu partners Fabian Holland, a welcome returnee at lock, while Simon Parker, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi form a mobile loose forward trio.
Beauden Barrett gets an opportunity to impress having been out of favour during the Nations Championship, while the uncapped Siale Lauaki and Josh Jacomb will wear an All Blacks shirt for the first time as tighthead and fly-half cover respectively.
New Zealand XV: 1 George Bower, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 Pasilio Tosi; 4 Fabian Holland, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (capt.); 6 Simon Parker, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Leroy Carter; 15 Josh Moorby.
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.
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