The Stormers will be looking to emulate Western Province’s famous 1976 victory when they host the All Blacks, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says Friday night’s tour opener is far more than a pre-season fixture for the Stormers, with coach John Dobson preparing his squad to embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity against a powerful All Blacks side selected to honour the occasion.
“Friday night in Cape Town is going to be a ripper,” he writes.
Keohane recalls WP’s famous 12-11 victory over the All Blacks 30 years ago, saying that triumph has been a recurring theme within the Stormers camp this week as the club chases a place in South African rugby folklore.
WATCH: When WP upset All Blacks
He notes that Dave Rennie has named a 648-cap match 23 featuring 21 Test players, while the Stormers have retained the core of the pack that reached last season’s URC semi-finals.
Keohane also highlights the contrast between 20-year-old debutant Yaqeen Ahmed and veteran campaigners Deon Fourie and Dewaldt Duvenhage.
“What an occasion for the three of them individually and what an occasion for the city of Cape Town and the Stormers as a club.”
MORE: Beauden keen to show Yaqeen his speed
Keohane also turns his attention to the Springboks’ clash with Argentina in Buenos Aires, where Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu returns from injury.
But for him, the spotlight belongs firmly to Cape Town, where the long-awaited All Blacks tour finally gets underway.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Cape Town set for Friday night ripper appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers will be looking to emulate Western Province’s famous 1976 victory when they host the All Blacks, writes @mark_keohane
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