New Zealand embark on their tour of South Africa as the All Blacks take on the Stormers in Cape Town.
Dave Rennie’s side will play eight matches across the next few weeks, including four Tests against the Springboks, as part of the new “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” reciprocal touring agreement. These tour games offer an opportunity for the new head coach to examine his depth after New Zealand showed promising signs during the Nations Championship.
They will know there is a mighty challenge awaiting them against the world champions – and perhaps tonight, too. The Stormers possess a good blend of youth and experience, and reached the semi-finals of last year’s United Rugby Championship. Can they strike an early blow on the tourists to start the landmark series in style? Or will the All Blacks show their class?
Follow all of the latest from the clash in Cape Town with our live blog below:
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
There’s plenty of history at play between these two, yes, but this is an equally fascinating encounter when it comes to the future of rugby. Here’s why:
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry launches
Here we go then – it’s going to be a hectic, and huge, six weeks as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry begins:
Stormers vs New Zealand LIVE
It’s the start of a new era, and a new venture as the Stormers welcome New Zealand in to kick-start the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. The All Blacks will play eight fixtures across the next six weeks, including four Tests against the Springboks, in a significant series on and off the field.
Kick off tonight is at 6pm BST.
