The All Blacks head into their opening tour match against the Stormers in Cape Town with two uncapped players named on the reserves bench, according to team announcements. Chiefs first-five Josh Jacomb and Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki earned selection in the matchday 23 for the Saturday morning fixture, marking the start of the team’s tour of South Africa.
All Blacks Selection Details for the Stormers Clash
Head coach Dave Rennie named an experienced core alongside new faces for the fixture at DHL Stadium. According to team management, Beauden Barrett will wear the No. 10 jersey for his first appearance of the year in a black jersey, while Rieko Ioane returns from a sabbatical in Ireland to start on the left wing in the No. 11 jersey.
Second-rower Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side. Regular leaders Ardie Savea remained in New Zealand, and Codie Taylor is unavailable due to a calf injury, according to squad updates. In total, seven players are in line to make their first appearances for the side this year: Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Ioane, Barrett, halfback Kyle Preston, and prop Ollie Norris.
| Position | Starting XV | Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| Front Row | George Bower, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Pasilio Tosi | Asafo Aumua, Ollie Norris, Siale Lauaki |
| Locks & Loose Forwards | Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Simon Parker, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi | Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder |
| Backs | Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby | Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb, Caleb Clarke |
Historical Context of Cape Town Test Matches
The fixture marks an historic first-ever Test match between the All Blacks and the Stormers, according to historical match records. While the touring side previously played the Stormers’ predecessor, Western Province, five times—securing three wins and two losses—this weekend’s game represents a new chapter.
The match will be only the second time the All Blacks have played at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Ten previous Test matches in the city were played at the historic Newlands ground. Across 25 total appearances in Cape Town, the team holds a record of 17 wins, seven losses, and one draw, according to fixture archives.
Did you know?
The All Blacks are scheduled to play the Bulls in Johannesburg the following Wednesday NZT after concluding their fixture against the Stormers in Cape Town.
Coach Assessment and Opposition Preparations
Head coach Dave Rennie noted the physical challenge posed by the home side in a statement released ahead of the match. According to Rennie, the Stormers represent a tough test following their run to the semifinals of the United Rugby Championship last year.
“We’re well aware of how good this Stormers side is,” Rennie said in the statement. “They are a big, physical side with a mix of talented youngsters and Springboks, so we are preparing for a real war of attrition.”
The Stormers enter the fixture in the midst of their pre-season preparations, while the touring squad arrives following a three-match series in the Nations Championship last month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining the All Blacks against the Stormers?
Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the team in the absence of Ardie Savea and Codie Taylor, according to squad announcements.
Which players are in line for their debuts?
Chiefs first-five Josh Jacomb and Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki are named on the reserves bench and are in line to make their debut appearances.
Where is the match being played?
The match takes place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, marking the second time the team has played at this venue.
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