GAME DAY: Five Stormers vs All Blacks battles that could shape Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener

It’s a case of experience against youth in the exciting opening tour match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the Stormers and All Blacks in Cape Town on Friday evening.

While the hosts will field a few future stars, for other players it could provide another shot at making the Springboks squad for the four Tests against New Zealand during the series. The visitors will look to give their entire squad game time before the first Bok duel at Ellis Park, starting with a star-studded team for the DHL Stadium opener (7pm kick-off).

IOL Sport takes a look at five key match-ups that could determine the outcome of the first match.

Hesitant to a compare them, John Dobson says young flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed reminds him of #Springboks star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2 years ago when he stepped up in the #Stormers setup. Ahmed will debut vs the All Blacks on Friday. A proper baptism of fire #RugbysGreatestRivalry pic.twitter.com/WEi9R5LUk8

— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) August 6, 2026

Yaqeen Ahmed vs Beauden Barrett

It’s youth vs experience. A rookie against someone who’s been around the block twice.

Ahmed will don the Stormers jersey for the very first time, but his fearlessness and skill were on full display during the Junior World Championship, where he led the Junior Springboks to the world title.

Barrett is fighting for a start at flyhalf in the All Blacks’ setup with the emergence of Ruben Love. While he is up against an inexperienced No 10, he will know that Ahmed will play with nothing to lose. That could raise Barrett’s game as he looks to find his rhythm again.

Evan Roos vs Peter Lakai

Both players have everything to play for ahead of the Test matches.

Roos is not in the current Springbok squad while they tour in Argentina. The Stormers will need some massive carries over the gainline from the eighthman, but his defensive work rate, especially at the breakdown, could be key to gaining momentum for his side.

Lakai will also want to put his hand up for the No 8 role. He will get a first shot at stating his case and will embrace the challenge of fronting up against Roos and the Stormers’ defence.

#Stormers captain Ruhan Nel says there will be no mindset of it being a pre-season hit-out vs the #AllBlacks on Friday. And, if they look after the team goals, individual goals, especially Springbok ones, should fall into place #RugbysGreatestRivalry pic.twitter.com/0FY23LOtmx

— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) August 7, 2026

André-Hugo Venter vs Samisoni Taukei’aho

Two powerful hookers who will be going head-to-head in a fascinating battle.

Venter has an opportunity to make his mark against an All Blacks pack that will test the Stormers’ set-piece strength. His scrumming will be vital in the middle of two excellent props, but it’s at lineout time and with the ball under his arm where he must shine to catch the eye of the Bok coaches.

Taukei’aho will be looking to lay down a marker in a position where competition for Test places is fierce. A strong performance with plenty of physicality and an excellent breakdown display could put him in the running for a start against the world champions.

Connor Evans vs Patrick Tuipulotu

There is a vacancy in the Stormers’ No 5 jersey and this provides a big opportunity for Evans to establish himself behind JD Schickerling.

The youngster has been hampered by injuries, but an early start to the new season against the All Blacks could be just enough to spark a breakthrough URC campaign. His lineout work will be critical, especially for mauls, but the Stormers will count on his physicality too.

It’s a rare opportunity for the experienced Tuipulotu to captain the Kiwis again and a chance to cement his place for the first Test. He’ll look to torment the Cape side at the lineout, but also with his physical play and excellent ball skills.

Seabelo Senatla vs Rieko Ioane

Two former Sevens stars who haven’t faced each other for quite some time will renew an old rivalry at the DHL Stadium.

Senatla and Ioane were among the standout players on the Sevens circuit a decade ago and the reunion promises to be an exciting one. The Stormers winger needs a flying start after injuries hampered him over the last couple of seasons.

Ioane will look at this battle against Senatla and a stingy Cape defence as an opportunity to raise his stocks. He’s had a dip in form, but a strong performance in the opening match, especially under the high kicks and on attack, could bring him back into the fold.

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 Lienert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 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.

Kick-off: 7pm

Referee: Karl Dickson (England). AR 1: Matthew Carley (England). AR 2: Hollie Davidson (Scotland). TMO: Andrew Jackson (England). FPRO: Mike Adamson (Scotland).