Know the opposition: Who are the Stormers?
Everything you need to know about the Stormers
Ahead of the historic encounter at DHL Stadium, here is everything you need to know about the All Blacks’ first opponents of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour.
Who are the Stormers?
Based in Cape Town, the Stormers represent rugby across the Western Cape and are closely connected to the proud Western Province rugby tradition.
South African regional sides competed in the first two seasons of the professional Super 12 in 1996 and 1997. The Stormers franchise was then established in 1998, bringing together players from Western Province and neighbouring unions.
For more than two decades, the Stormers competed against New Zealand, Australian and other South African franchises, becoming familiar opponents for the Blues, Crusaders, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders.
They now play in the United Rugby Championship, commonly known as the URC, alongside the Bulls, Sharks and Lions from South Africa and leading clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy.
The Stormers also compete in European club competitions.
Their head coach, John Dobson, has helped build a side known for combining traditional South African physicality with the expansive and attacking rugby long associated with the Western Cape.
WATCH: All Blacks loose forwards Simon Parker and Wallace Sititi talk to media in Cape Town
URC champions
The Stormers made an immediate impact after joining the URC, winning the competition in their first season in 2021/22.
They defeated the Bulls in an all-South African final at DHL Stadium, claiming the franchise’s first major title.
The Stormers returned to the URC final the following season, establishing themselves as one of the competition’s leading sides and making their Cape Town home one of the toughest venues to visit.
Their Cape Town home
The Stormers previously played at the iconic Newlands Rugby Stadium, a ground steeped in history and renowned for its passionate crowds.
They moved permanently to DHL Stadium in 2021.
Situated near the Cape Town waterfront and beneath Signal Hill, the venue was originally built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and can hold more than 50,000 spectators.
It has already staged several memorable rugby occasions.
The Stormers lifted the URC trophy there in 2022 before returning for a second consecutive final against Munster the following year.
Another standout moment came in 2023, when Manie Libbok landed a difficult conversion after the final hooter to secure a dramatic victory over European champions La Rochelle.
The All Blacks will also return to DHL Stadium later in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour to face the Springboks.
WATCH: The historic 1996 Tri Nations clash between the All Blacks and Springboks in Cape Town
Players to watch
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
One of the most exciting young playmakers in world rugby, Feinberg-Mngomezulu can operate at first five-eighth, second five-eighth or fullback.
He remains one of the Stormers’ biggest stars, although an ankle injury suffered late in the URC season is expected to rule him out of the match against the All Blacks.
He combines speed and footwork with a strong passing and kicking game and has quickly become an important figure for both the Stormers and Springboks.
Damian Willemse
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks, Willemse is another highly versatile back capable of playing at first five-eighth, midfield or fullback.
His counterattacking ability, footwork and willingness to take on defenders make him dangerous from anywhere on the field.
Manie Libbok
Libbok played a central role in the Stormers’ 2022 championship campaign.
An instinctive attacking first five-eighth, he is capable of unlocking a defence through his passing, kicking and support play.
Evan Roos
A powerful and abrasive loose forward, Roos was named the URC Player of the Season during the Stormers’ title-winning campaign.
He is particularly effective with the ball in contact and brings significant energy on both sides of the breakdown.
Salmaan Moerat
The Stormers captain is a towering lock and a product of the Western Cape rugby system.
Moerat provides leadership, lineout presence and physicality in the heart of the forward pack.
The wider Stormers squad also includes experienced Springboks and emerging players from one of South Africa’s richest rugby nurseries.
Legends of the Stormers
Some of the greatest names in South African rugby have represented the Stormers.
Springbok captains Jean de Villiers and Siya Kolisi were both influential figures in Cape Town, while uncompromising loose forward Schalk Burger made more than 100 appearances for the franchise.
The Stormers have also featured world-class players such as Bryan Habana, Cheslin Kolbe, Percy Montgomery, Jaque Fourie, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw and towering lock Andries Bekker.
Their connection to Western Province has also helped make Cape Town rugby one of the most important talent pathways in South Africa.
All Blacks connections
Former All Blacks first five-eighth Tony Brown made seven appearances for the Stormers during the 2008 Super 14 season. Brown, now part of the Springboks coaching staff, had also previously spent a season with the Sharks.
Chris Jack did not play Super Rugby for the Stormers, but the 67-Test All Blacks lock represented Western Province in the 2009 Currie Cup.
Previous meetings
The All Blacks have never previously faced the Stormers, however they have played Western Province five times, winning three and losing two. Their first meeting came in 1928, when Western Province won 10–3 at Newlands, before the All Blacks claimed victories in 1949, 1960 and 1970. The most recent clash was also the closest, with Western Province edging the All Blacks 12–11 at Newlands in 1976. Find out more at stats.allblacks.com
A fitting first challenge
The Stormers’ familiarity with New Zealand rugby, proud Western Province heritage and the atmosphere expected at DHL Stadium make them a fitting first opponent for the All Blacks.
The match will open the All Blacks’ first full-scale tour of South Africa since 1996 and provide an immediate test against a side carrying Springbok experience, emerging talent and a desire to make history on home soil.
WATCH: Dave Rennie and Codie Taylor talk to media in Cape Town
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