Junior Boks flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed will make his Stormers debut after being named to start in Friday night’s historic clash against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.
The 20-year-old has been handed the No 10 jersey for the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, partnering scrumhalf Imad Khan in a new-look halfback pairing.
Outside centre Ruhan Nel will captain the Stormers in what will be the first time the Cape club has faced New Zealand, although Western Province met the All Blacks five times and famously won 12-11 at Newlands in 1976.
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Nel forms the midfield combination with Jonathan Roche, while Warrick Gelant starts at fullback alongside wings Seabelo Senatla and Leolin Zas.
The Stormers have opted for an experienced loose trio, with Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani and Deon Fourie reunited in the same combination that started the 2021-22 Vodacom URC final triumph at Cape Town Stadium.
In the tight five, André-Hugo Venter packs down between props Vernon Matongo and Neethling Fouché, while Adré Smith and Connor Evans start in the second row.
Loose forward Ruan Ackermann is among the replacements, with Dewaldt Duvenage and Wandisile Simelane set to provide backline cover off the bench.
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Director of rugby John Dobson said his side is determined to embrace the occasion.
“This is history in the making as the Stormers take on New Zealand for the first time, and our team is determined to make it one to remember for our fans.
“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.”
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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.
Bench: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Yaqeen unleashed on All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Junior Boks flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed will make his Stormers debut after being named to start in Friday night’s historic clash against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.
The post Yaqeen unleashed on All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
