All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has selected a 23-man squad for Friday’s historic match against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium, with experienced lock Patrick Tuipulotu named as captain.
The match, which kicks off at 19:10, will open the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour and is the first-ever meeting between the All Blacks and the Stormers.
Tuipulotu will lead New Zealand for only the second time. His previous captaincy came in a match against Japan in October 2024.
New Zealand could give first appearances in the famous black jersey to prop Siale Lauaki and utility back Josh Jacomb, who have both been included among the replacements.
Seven other players will make their first All Blacks appearance of the year. They are Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane.
Beauden Barrett starts at fly-half and will make his 145th appearance for the All Blacks, including one non-Test match. Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane add further experience to the backline.
Rennie welcomed the newcomers and said the squad was looking forward to beginning the tour in South Africa.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate the new All Blacks Siale and Josh. It will be a very exciting and proud day for them and their families,” he said.
“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.”
The New Zealand coach expects the Stormers, led by John Dobson, to provide a demanding test.
“We’re well aware of how good this Stormers side is. They made the semi-finals 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.”
The All Blacks have played Western Province five times, recording three wins, two defeats and no draws. However, Friday’s fixture will be their first against the Stormers since the franchise era began.
It will also be New Zealand’s second match at Cape Town Stadium. Their previous 10 Test matches in Cape Town were all played at Newlands.
The All Blacks have played 25 matches in Cape Town overall, winning 17, losing seven and drawing one.
The Stormers will start with Warrick Gelant, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, who is captain, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Yaqeen Ahmed, Imad Khan, Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani, Deon Fourie, Connor Evans, Adre Smith, Neethling Fouche, Andre-Hugo Venter and Vernon Matongo.
Their replacements are JJ Kotze, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Sazi Sandi, Ruan Ackermann, Keke Morabe, Wandile Mlaba, Dewaldt Duvenage and Wandisile Simelane.
The All Blacks XV is Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Peer Lakai, Simon Parker, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei’aho and George Bower.
New Zealand’s replacements are Asafo Aumua, Ollie Norris, Siale Lauaki, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb and Caleb Clarke.
The referee will be Karl Dickson of England, with England’s Matthew Carley and Scotland’s Hollie Davidson appointed as assistant referees. Andrew Jackson, also from England, will serve as television match official.
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