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CAPE TOWN — All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his squad to face the DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium on Friday, 7 August, kicking off the highly anticipated Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will take the reigns as captain for the second time in his career, having previously led the national side against Japan in October 2024. He heads a 23-man squad that mixes seasoned international experience with fresh talent.
Uncapped prop Siale Lauaki and inside back Josh Jacomb are set to make their All Blacks debuts from the bench. Additionally, seven players will be making their first appearance in the black jersey this year: forwards Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, and Ethan Blackadder, along with backs Kyle Preston, Beauden Barrett, and Rieko Ioane.
Head coach Dave Rennie expressed his excitement ahead of the tour opener.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate the new All Blacks Siale and Josh,” said Rennie. “It will be a very exciting and proud day for them and their families. 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.”
Rennie acknowledged the stern challenge awaiting his side against a formidable Stormers lineup.
“We’re well aware of how good this Stormers side is. They made the semifinals 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,” Rennie added.
The fixture marks an historic occasion. It will be the first-ever match between the All Blacks and the DHL Stormers. Historically, the New Zealanders played the Stormers’ predecessor, Western Province, five times—claiming three victories (1949, 1960, and 1970) and suffering two losses (1928 and 1976).
This match also represents only the All Blacks’ second appearance at DHL Stadium, as all 10 previous Test matches in Cape Town were held at the iconic Newlands ground. In total, the All Blacks have played 25 times in Cape Town, boasting a record of 17 wins, seven losses, and one draw.
All Blacks Match-Day 23 vs DHL Stormers:
Starting XV:
- George Bower (26 caps)
- Samisoni Taukei’aho (44 caps)
- Pasilio Tosi (17 caps)
- Fabian Holland (12 caps)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (Captain, 57 caps)
- Simon Parker (8 caps)
- Peter Lakai (10 caps)
- Wallace Sititi (21 caps)
- Cortez Ratima (24 caps)
- Beauden Barrett (144 caps)
- Rieko Ioane (88 caps)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (90 caps)
- Billy Proctor (13 caps)
- Leroy Carter (7 caps)
- Josh Moorby (2 caps)
Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua (22 caps) 17. Ollie Norris (3 caps) 18. Siale Lauaki * 19. Sam Darry (10 caps) 20. Ethan Blackadder (14 caps) 21. Kyle Preston (1 cap) 22. Josh Jacomb * 23. Caleb Clarke (35 caps)
