The DHL Stormers have named 20-year-old fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed to make his senior debut when the Cape Town club hosts New Zealand for the first time in its history at DHL Stadium on Friday night, in the opening fixture of the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

Key team news:

• Junior Springbok fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed, 20, makes his senior Stormers debut at number 10
• It is the first time in the club’s history that the Stormers will face New Zealand — their predecessors Western Province famously beat the All Blacks 12-11 at Newlands in 1976
• Outside centre Ruhan Nel captains the side in the absence of several Springbok-contracted players
• The loose trio of Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani and Deon Fourie reunites the same combination that started the 2022 Vodacom URC Grand Final
• Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Cobus Reinach, Ben-Jason Dixon and Paul de Villiers are all unavailable due to Springbok duty
• Kick-off is at 19:00 local time at DHL Stadium in Cape Town

Ahmed, who turned 20 just a week ago, arrives at senior level on the back of a starring role in the Junior Springboks’ triumphant campaign at the Under-20 World Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, in June. The young playmaker started three matches as South Africa retained their crown as the world’s best age-grade side, scoring a determined individual try in the 53-37 semi-final victory over England before going four from four off the kicking tee in a tighter 16-5 final win against France. He was the top points scorer in the preceding Under-20 Rugby Championship, which the Junior Boks also won, and was subsequently called into the Springboks’ wider training squad ahead of the international season.

The DHL Stormers team that will face New Zealand at DHL Stadium on Friday.

Full team announcement https://t.co/XVqZ9xRbBg#inittogether pic.twitter.com/fp4zR8iWFn

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) August 5, 2026

His opportunity at DHL Stadium comes because the Stormers have been stripped of considerable talent by Springbok selection. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the man Ahmed has most frequently been compared to, is with the national squad preparing for Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Willemse, new recruits Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw, veteran scrum-half Reinach, utility forward Dixon and the sensational newcomer De Villiers are all similarly unavailable. Jurie Matthee, who might have been another option at fly-half, is injured.

Director of rugby John Dobson, the experienced Stormers coach, has nonetheless assembled a side with genuine quality and clear intent. Rather than retreating into a set-piece-heavy approach to combat the All Blacks, Dobson has selected a team capable of moving the ball, with Hacjivah Dayimani’s inclusion at blindside flanker ahead of the more physical Ruan Ackermann signalling an appetite for tempo and width.

Dobson was bullish about the occasion. “This is history in the making as the DHL Stormers take on New Zealand for the first time, and our team is determined to make it one to remember for our fans,” the Stormers boss said.

“For a club side to take on an international team ranked second in the world is a massive opportunity and one that every player and management member is looking forward to.”

Ahmed will partner scrum-half Imad Khan, another bright young prospect who was part of the extended national squad called up for the opening phase of Springbok preparations in June. Khan, 22, enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Stormers’ most recent URC campaign and is regarded as a future Springbok in his own right. It will be a youthful halfback pairing, but neither player should be short of match fitness — Ahmed only finished the Junior World Championship two weeks ago, while Khan has been training with the national set-up.

Outside them, Ruhan Nel captains the side from outside centre alongside Jonathan Roche in midfield. The experienced Warrick Gelant, a capped Springbok, starts at fullback, with the rapid Seabelo Senatla on the right wing and the dependable Leolin Zas on the left. There is considerable pace and experience across the back three, even if the inside backs are the younger members of the unit.

The pack carries genuine pedigree despite the absentees. Springbok hooker André-Hugo Venter anchors the front row between props Vernon Matongo and Neethling Fouché, both of whom have Test experience. Matongo, who was born in Zimbabwe but has lived in South Africa for over a decade, having attended Northwood school in KwaZulu-Natal, is widely tipped to become a Springbok once he qualifies on residency. Adré Smith, the sole survivor from the Stormers’ impressive quartet of locks that powered their strong start to last season’s URC, partners Connor Evans in the second row. Evans impressed in the URC semi-final defeat to Leinster in Dublin in early June and is considered a player with a bright future.

The loose trio is the headline act among the forwards. Roos, Dayimani and Fourie pack down in the same combination that started the 2022 Vodacom URC Grand Final at DHL Stadium, when the Stormers claimed the inaugural title. The return of the veteran World Cup winner Fourie from injury has helped offset the loss of De Villiers to the national squad, while Dayimani’s freakish pace could trouble the All Blacks on the outside. Roos, who many in Cape Town consider unlucky not to be with the Springboks, will have plenty to prove.

The bench is not without quality either. JJ Kotzé, who has been part of a recent Springbok squad, provides hooker cover, while Ntuthuko Mchunu — released by the Boks specifically for this fixture — offers loosehead prop impact. Sazi Sandi covers tighthead, Ackermann can slot in at lock or loose forward, and Keke Morabe and Wandile Mlaba have both earned their places through strong Carling Currie Cup form. The experienced Dewaldt Duvenage gives a veteran option at scrum-half, while the versatile Wandisile Simelane can cover centre and fullback.

The fixture falls outside the regular season for South African clubs that participate in the URC, which does not resume until late September. The Stormers’ last competitive match was their 20-11 semi-final defeat to Leinster in early June, meaning this is effectively a pre-season outing against the highest-calibre opposition. Dobson’s quandary of whether to field a side that is underdone or under-strength has been settled on the side of underdone — the players named are the best available, even if their match fitness may not be at peak levels.

The historical significance of the occasion will not be lost on the DHL Stadium crowd. While the Stormers have never faced New Zealand, their predecessors Western Province met the All Blacks five times, with the most celebrated encounter coming in 1976 when a late touchline conversion from Robbie Blair sealed a famous 12-11 victory at Newlands. Friday night’s hosts will be hoping to write their own chapter in Cape Town’s rich rugby history.

Ahmed, for his part, will have a fascinating duel with veteran All Black fly-half Beauden Barrett, who has 144 Test caps to his name and returns to the starting line-up after sitting out the July Tests against France, Italy and Ireland. Few players can say they made their senior first-class debut against the All Blacks — but then few 20-year-olds arrive with the credentials Ahmed already carries.

DHL Stormers:
15. Warrick Gelant
14. Seabelo Senatla
13. Ruhan Nel (c)
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

Match details: DHL Stormers v New Zealand, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Friday 8 August, 19:00 (local time).

Les Kiss has handed Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero their first Test starts in Wallaby gold as the new head coach named his maiden team for Saturday’s Flight Centre Series opener against Eddie Jones’ Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.

Key team news:

• Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero earn their first Test starts in Wallaby gold
• Isaac Henry named on the bench for a potential debut as Wallaby number 999
• Hunter Paisami replaces injured Len Ikitau at inside centre
• Declan Meredith starts at fly-half for a third consecutive Test ahead of fit-again Carter Gordon
• Charlie Cale named in a Wallabies matchday squad for the first time since 2024
• Four changes to the starting XV from the Italy victory; 5-3 bench split

Ross, the New South Wales-born, New Zealand-raised loosehead who played one Test for the All Blacks in 2022 before switching allegiance, gets the nod at loosehead prop ahead of Angus Bell, who drops to the bench after eight consecutive starts. The 27-year-old made his Australian debut in the corresponding fixture against Japan in Tokyo last year and has been a mainstay of Kiss’s Queensland Reds pack throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Ross offered a relaxed assessment of the coaching transition into the national set-up. “It’s still him, just a different colour top on,” Ross said. “He loves his job. He’s passionate and what you see is what you get from him.”

Les' first matchday 23 🦘 pic.twitter.com/Qvg4HZsKeb

— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 6, 2026

Amatosero, the imposing NSW Waratahs lock who made his Test debut as a replacement in last month’s 57-10 victory over Italy in Perth, earns a promotion to the starting second row alongside Josh Canham. The hat-trick-scoring Canham retains his place after becoming the first Wallabies lock to cross for three tries in that Perth romp. Jeremy Williams makes way and moves to the bench.

The pair are two of four changes to the starting XV, with hooker Josh Nasser returning after observing concussion protocols following a knock sustained against France, and Hunter Paisami coming in at inside centre to replace the injured Len Ikitau. Nasser combines with Ross and the experienced Allan Alaalatoa, who wins his 92nd cap at tighthead, in a new-look front row backed by a formidable replacement trio of Billy Pollard, Bell and Taniela Tupou.

The back row of Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson is unchanged, with Wilson leading the side from number eight for the 24th time. The loose forward combination has started every Test together in 2026.

Perhaps the most significant selection call comes in the halves, where Kiss has backed the Brumbies pairing of scrum-half Ryan Lonergan and fly-half Declan Meredith for a third consecutive Test. It means fit-again Carter Gordon, who has recovered from the calf injury that sidelined him since the opening Test against Ireland, misses out on the matchday 23 entirely despite being declared fully fit.

“He’s been training fully,” Kiss said of Gordon. “There’s always management of the players in different ways, management of the squad… but he’s fully fit.”

Cairns-bred Meredith will be right at home in the searing Osaka heat, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees this week and a typhoon warning issued off the coast of Japan. The conditions are expected to force the match to be played in 20-minute quarters with drinks breaks in between, and Kiss described his bench selections as a “horses for courses” strategy designed to finish with a flourish rather than wilt.

Paisami, who missed the Italy Test with a knee complaint, will partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield. The back three of fullback Tom Wright, who moves closer to his 50-cap milestone, and wingers Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter is unchanged.

Among the replacements, the inclusion of Charlie Cale is a notable talking point. The electric ACT Brumbies back-rower has not appeared in a Wallabies matchday squad since featuring twice against Wales in 2024, with a series of injuries slowing his progress under the previous coaching regime. Ben Donaldson provides backline versatility, while the experienced Tate McDermott is named for his 54th Test as the finishing scrum-half.

Uncapped Queensland Reds centre Isaac Henry rounds out the matchday 23 and is in line to become the 999th player to represent Australia should he take the field. Henry overcame a series of serious injuries to produce a breakout Super Rugby Pacific campaign in 2026 and was called into the squad as injury cover for Ikitau.

Kiss also opted to leave squad member Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who was controversially recalled after missing the Nations Championship, out of the matchday 23.

“Every single player in the squad has pushed hard over the last fortnight to get us to this point, making selecting the matchday 23 a real challenge for the coaches,” Kiss said.

“The players selected now have the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the gold jersey and we know they’ll do everything they can to earn the support of all Australians when they take to the field in Osaka on Saturday night.”

The new coach struck a relaxed tone at his pre-match press conference, opening proceedings by sending his best wishes to injured Warringah hooker Wes Thomas before addressing his maiden Test with typical candour.

“On a personal level, it’s cool. I’m really enjoying this process,” Kiss reflected. “I don’t take this lightly at all. I’m loving it. Smooth waters at the moment, they can get rough at any time. I’m ready for the ride.”

Kiss acknowledged the broader challenge of balancing short-term results with long-term World Cup planning, with the tournament on home soil now barely 14 months away. “We’re trying to find depth in certain positions… but pick a Test team that wins,” he said. “There’s always something in the mind of a coach that’s trying to position where ‘this’ is, up here, in the future. But in the here and now… that balance is always there.”

Australia, ranked eighth in the world, have won just two of their past 11 Tests and will be tested by a Japan side ranked 10th who beat Italy 27-10 at home last month. The Brave Blossoms have been bolstered by several new additions, including former Reds lock Harry Hockings, and changed their tactical approach under Jones to become the second-most prolific kicking team in the world during the Nations Championship.

Wallabies flanker Rob Valetini, however, expects Japan to try to use the conditions to their advantage. “Japan are a team that loves to play fast,” he said. “They want to play fast and obviously, it’s quite hot here. So I think they’ll be using that game plan to try and run us off our feet.”

The Wallabies have never lost to Japan, though the sides played out a tight 19-15 contest in the corresponding fixture last year. A second Test follows a week later at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on 15 August.

Wallabies team to play Japan

Starting XV: 15. Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies, 46 caps), 14. Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs, 23 caps), 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 21 caps), 12. Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds, 35 caps), 11. Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs, 12 caps), 10. Declan Meredith (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), 9. Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies, 8 caps), 8. Harry Wilson (c) (Queensland Reds, 39 caps), 7. Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 42 caps), 6. Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies, 65 caps), 5. Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs, 1 cap), 4. Josh Canham (Queensland Reds, 5 caps), 3. Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 91 caps), 2. Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 13 caps), 1. Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds, 3 caps).

Replacements: 16. Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies, 21 caps), 17. Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 53 caps), 18. Taniela Tupou (Racing 92, 70 caps), 19. Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 28 caps), 20. Charlie Cale (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), 21. Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 53 caps), 22. Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 21 caps), 23. Isaac Henry* (Queensland Reds, uncapped). *denotes potential Test debut.

Match details: Wallabies v Japan, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka. Saturday 8 August, 8.05pm AEST.

Dave Rennie has made 13 changes to his starting XV and named two potential debutants on the bench as the All Blacks prepare to launch their Greatest Rivalry Tour against the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday evening. Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side for just the second time in his career, with regular skipper Ardie Savea remaining in New Zealand on a managed break and tour captain Codie Taylor sidelined with a calf injury.

Key squad news:

• Patrick Tuipulotu to captain the All Blacks for the second time in his 57-Test career
• Beauden Barrett starts at first five-eighth after missing all three Nations Championship Tests in July
• Siale Lauaki and Josh Jacomb set for All Blacks debuts from the bench
• 13 changes to the starting XV from the Ireland Test at Eden Park
• Captain Ardie Savea remains in New Zealand; tour captain Codie Taylor ruled out with calf injury
• Fabian Holland and Rieko Ioane return to the starting side after lengthy absences

Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki and Chiefs first five-eighth Josh Jacomb are poised to earn their first All Blacks caps from the bench, while Beauden Barrett headlines the selection after being handed the number 10 jersey. The 144-cap veteran did not feature during the three-Test Nations Championship campaign in July, with Ruben Love the incumbent playmaker, but has been rewarded for his form in training with a chance to press his case ahead of the first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on 23 August.

Team is in for the first Match in South Africa 🇳🇿

Details at https://t.co/9U1B1GrH7E pic.twitter.com/oBB16dCM5S

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 5, 2026

“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,” Rennie said. “We’ve had a great welcome in Cape Town and we’re excited to get this tour underway.”

Only two players survive from the starting XV that beat Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park last month. Tuipulotu retains his second-row berth while Josh Moorby, who started on the left wing against the Irish, switches to fullback. The wholesale changes reflect Rennie’s stated intention to give every member of his 44-man squad game time across the three non-Test fixtures before the series opener against South Africa.

“We’ve sort of picked the teams to play in these games, but we’ve already made some little changes based a little bit on injury,” Rennie said. “It gives us a chance to create competition for places for that first Test side. The fact that everyone will get to play, it’s a real buzz within the group.”

The front row of George Bower, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi packs plenty of experience, while the second-row pairing of Fabian Holland and Tuipulotu is one of the most intriguing selections. Holland, the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, has not played since suffering a serious shoulder injury in pre-season that ruled him out of the entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign and the July Test window. The 23-year-old Highlanders lock had a hit-out for Otago against Mid Canterbury last week to prove his fitness, and this match represents a significant milestone in his comeback — and an early indicator of whether he is tracking towards the first Test.

In the loose forwards, Simon Parker earns his first start of the year at blindside flanker alongside Peter Lakai at openside and Wallace Sititi at number eight. Parker, like Barrett and halfback Kyle Preston on the bench, did not see any game time during the Nations Championship and will be eager to make an impression.

Cortez Ratima partners Barrett in the halves, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor named in the midfield. Rieko Ioane, the 88-Test back who returned from a playing sabbatical with Leinster, starts on the left wing in what amounts to his first All Blacks appearance since rejoining the squad as injury cover during the Nations Championship. Leroy Carter occupies the right wing.

Barrett’s inclusion at first five-eighth is perhaps the headline selection. When asked whether he was frustrated by his recent lack of game time, the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year sidestepped the question. “It’s been a good chance to work on my game and at the same time freshen up a little bit,” Barrett said. “I’m excited to get out there with Cortez against a quality team playing at home.”

Barrett added that he was fully aligned with the coaching staff’s attacking blueprint. “There’s been obviously a good flow on from the Super Rugby teams and the way Dave and Mike Blair like to play has been consistent. It’s really positive and it’s our DNA. It’s how we like to play, it’s arguably how we used to play and there’s a nice free-flowing element to it.”

Rennie is expecting a stern examination from the Stormers, who reached the United Rugby Championship semi-finals last season and will field a side featuring several current and former Springboks, including 39-year-old flanker Deon Fourie, hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, tighthead prop Neethling Fouche and number eight Evan Roos. Former Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant starts at the back, while exciting young fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed — who starred as the South Africa Under-20s were crowned world champions last month — partners scrumhalf Imad Khan. A number of Stormers regulars are absent on Springbok duty in Argentina, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Siya Kolisi and Ben-Jason Dixon.

“We’re well aware of how good this Stormers side is,” Rennie said. “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.”

Rennie said the non-Test matches would serve as building blocks towards the first Test, with several players in the starting XV desperate to force their way into contention. “We think it’s a really good blend, it’s a strong side, but a number of guys in there will be desperate to make an impression,” he said. Of Barrett specifically, the head coach added: “He’s smart. He’s played 140-odd games for this country so he won’t try and overplay his hand. His job is to help implement and organise people around him. We’ve got a clear plan how we want to play. He’s been training right throughout the time back in New Zealand when he wasn’t playing. He’s all over it and we just want him to get out and drive the ship for us.”

The match will be a historic first encounter between the All Blacks and the Stormers. New Zealand played the Stormers’ predecessors Western Province five times, winning three (1949, 1960 and 1970) and losing two (1928 and 1976). In total, the All Blacks have played 25 times in Cape Town for 17 wins, seven losses and one draw, though this will be only their second appearance at DHL Stadium, with all ten previous Test matches in the city played at Newlands.

Rennie said the considerable All Blacks support base in Cape Town would provide a boost. “The crowd that we saw last Friday on short notice at the stadium were very, very passionate. It’s going to be great to have those sorts of voices and numbers in behind us this weekend. It’s a nice way to start the tour off.”

The bench features a blend of experience and youth, with Asafo Aumua, Ollie Norris, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Preston, Clarke and the two debutants Lauaki and Jacomb providing Rennie with ample options to freshen the side through the second half. With the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday and the Bulls in Pretoria the following Sunday to come before the first Test, every minute on the park counts.

All Blacks team to play the Stormers

DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Friday 7 August, kick-off 7.10pm local time (5.10am Saturday 8 August NZT).

1. George Bower (26 caps), 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (44), 3. Pasilio Tosi (17), 4. Fabian Holland (12), 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (57), 6. Simon Parker (8), 7. Peter Lakai (10), 8. Wallace Sititi (21), 9. Cortez Ratima (24), 10. Beauden Barrett (144), 11. Rieko Ioane (88), 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (90), 13. Billy Proctor (13), 14. Leroy Carter (7), 15. Josh Moorby (2).

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (22), 17. Ollie Norris (3), 18. Siale Lauaki*, 19. Sam Darry (10), 20. Ethan Blackadder (14), 21. Kyle Preston (1), 22. Josh Jacomb*, 23. Caleb Clarke (35).

*denotes potential debut

Stormers team

15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Seabelo Senatla, 13. Ruhan Nel (c), 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. Adre Smith, 3. Neethling Fouche, 2. Andre-Hugo Venter, 1. Vernon Matongo.

Reserves: 16. JJ Kotze, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Sazi Sandi, 19. Ruan Ackermann, 20. Keke Morabe, 21. Wandile Mlaba, 22. Dewaldt Duvenage, 23. Wandisile Simelane.