Stormers host All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour showdown

Live coverage of the Stormers’ meeting with the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium begins ahead of a 19:00 kick-off, with the two sides bringing contrasting styles and a strong sense of occasion to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.

Refresh your browser for the latest action from Cape Town as the match unfolds.

The All Blacks will be led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu, with Beauden Barrett starting at fly-half and Cortez Ratima selected at scrum-half. George Bower packs down at loosehead prop, while Samisoni Taukei’aho starts at hooker.

The New Zealand side also includes second row Fabian Holland, flankers Simon Parker and Anton Segner, and number eight Peter Lakai. In the backline, Josh Moorby and Leroy Carter are named on the wings, with Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield. Rieko Ioane completes the starting backline.

New Zealand’s replacements are Asafo Aumua, Ollie Norris, Siale Lauaki, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb and Caleb Clarke.

The Stormers are captained by centre Ruhan Nel, who starts alongside Jonathan Roche. Warrick Gelant is selected at full-back, with Seabelo Senatla and Leolin Zas on the wings. Yaqeen Ahmed is the fly-half and Imad Khan starts at scrum-half.

Evan Roos provides the Stormers’ number-eight option, with Hacjivah Dayimani and Deon Fourie named at blindside and openside flank respectively. Connor Evans and Adre Smith form the second row, while Vernon Matongo, Andre-Hugo Venter and Neethling Fouche make up the starting front row.

The Stormers’ bench consists of JJ Kotze, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Sazi Sandi, Ruan Ackermann, Keke Morabe, Wandile Mlaba, Dewaldt Duvenage and Wandisile Simelane.

The build-up has focused on the significance of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, as well as the tactical contrast expected when the Stormers and All Blacks meet. Stormers coach Dobbo described the contest as “‘Cutlass versus rapier’”, predicting a clash between distinct approaches.

Dobbo has also explained why the rookie fly-half reminds him of Sacha FM, while Stormers veteran is preparing to bring his career to a close. “‘What a way to finish’, says Dobbo as Stormers veteran bids farewell” was one of the key themes before kick-off.

New Zealand coach Rennie has backed Barrett after praising the fly-half for “Training out of his skin”. Rennie is also reported to have spoken about missing the South Africa-New Zealand Super Rugby rivalry, adding another layer to a fixture built around a familiar cross-border contest.

The All Blacks will have Nonu in a bench role for the “massive All Blacks clash” against the Stormers, while the home side will look to make the most of playing in Cape Town Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.