DHL Stormers v All Blacks: Cape Town Opens the Rivalry Tour.The most anticipated rugby tour of the year begins in Cape Town. Before the Springboks and the All Blacks renew their storied rivalry in a four-Test series, New Zealand open their South African tour against the DHL Stormers on Friday 7 August. For Cape rugby fans, it’s a rare and mouth-watering chance to see the men in black up close — and for the Stormers, a golden opportunity to test themselves against the very best.
A Tour Opener With an Edge
Tour openers against a touring giant are special occasions, and this one carries real bite. The All Blacks will want to lay down an early marker on South African soil ahead of the Test series, while the Stormers — backed by a passionate home crowd — will relish the chance to bloody a few noses and show the depth of Cape rugby against elite opposition.
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What to Expect
Expect the All Blacks to bring their trademark tempo and offloading game, testing the Stormers’ defensive discipline from the first whistle. The Stormers, for their part, will look to bring physicality up front and use their home conditions and support to unsettle the tourists. It’s a fascinating clash of styles, and a genuine measuring stick for the Cape side.
Team News
Both matchday squads will be confirmed in the days before kick-off. We’ll update this preview with the DHL Stormers team as soon as it’s named or visit https://stormers.co.za/news/ for the latest news and team updates.
The South African View
Tickets for matches like this don’t come around often, and Cape Town will be buzzing. Whether you’re going to the stadium or watching with friends, it’s the perfect curtain-raiser to a huge few weeks of rugby — and a chance to see how the Stormers measure up before the Test series takes centre stage.
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