Stormers player ratings vs All Blacks: Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

Stormers

by Avumile Mbebe

Saturday, 08 August 2026 at 09:45

byAvumile Mbebe

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The All Blacks kicked off their tour of South Africa with a strong 38-21 win over the DHL Stormers.

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Report by Riley Sella on RUCK Debut

Tries from Samisoni Taukei’aho, Simon Parker, Rieko Ioane, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby and Asafo Aumua helped the All Blacks secure the victory Stormers, moving Dave Rennie’s side to 4-0 since the new head coach took charge.

Despite crossing early, New Zealand made a difficult start to proceedings, receiving two yellow cards inside the opening 15 minutes. The Stormers capitalised on the numerical advantage, crossing for two tries, although one was ruled out.

A cagey first half eventually swung back in the All Blacks’ favour when Simon Parker produced an excellent finish shortly after returning from his yellow-card suspension, giving the visitors momentum heading into the interval

The Stormers responded strongly after the restart, producing a well-worked try to put the pressure back on Rennie’s side. However, the introduction of the All Blacks replacements proved decisive, with New Zealand finding another gear and taking control of the contest.

Peter Lakai was at the heart of the turnaround, producing a Player of the Match performance filled with outstanding defence, powerful carries and explosive runs through the Stormers defensive line. His ability to break the gain line created several opportunities for the All Blacks as they pulled away in the second half.

Despite the impressive result, discipline remains a concern for Rennie. New Zealand conceded 15 penalties and collected three yellow cards during the match, giving the Stormers opportunities to build pressure and making life unnecessarily difficult for the visitors.

There were also memorable moments for two All Blacks debutants, with Siale Lauaki and Josh Jacombs both earning their first international caps.

Lauaki, the 23-year-old Hurricanes prop, made an immediate impact from the bench with his defensive work, while 25-year-old Chiefs fly-half Jacombs was handed his first Test opportunity. Jacombs finished with one successful conversion from three attempts.

Both players will now have the opportunity to build on their impressive first appearances as the All Blacks continue their South African tour.

New Zealand's next challenge comes against the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Tuesday, where they will face former All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu.

All Blacks:

TRIES: 6 (Taukei’aho 6’, Parker 39’, Ioane 67’, Carter 72’, Moorby 76’, Aumua 80+1’)

CONVERSIONS: 4 (Barrett 6’, 40’, 68’, Jacombs 73’)

PENALTIES: 0

DROP GOALS: 0

YELLOW CARDS: 3 (Leinert-Brown 12’, Carter 15’,

RED CARDS: 0

Stormers: TRIES: 3 (Fourie 16’, Senatla 56’, Penalty Try 78’)

CONVERSIONS: 2 (Ahmed 17’, 57’)

PENALTIES: 0 DROP GOALS: 0

YELLOW CARDS: 0

RED CARDS: 0

STORMERS PLAYER RATINGS

By Avumile Mbebe on RUCK Debut

15. Warrick Gelant – 8

Gelant came agonisingly close to scoring when three All Blacks defenders stopped him just short of the line. A TMO review subsequently found foul play had prevented him from scoring, resulting in a penalty try for the Stormers. He remained a threat in attack throughout.

14. Seabelo Senatla – 8

Senatla was one of the Stormers’ most dangerous attacking threats, using his pace and power to trouble the All Blacks defence. The crowd rose as he raced towards the line, but New Zealand held firm. He was eventually rewarded with a try in the 55th minute.

13. Ruhan Nel (c) – 7 (42')

Nel defended strongly in midfield and showed attacking quality when opportunities presented themselves. He was replaced by Wandisile Simelane in the 42nd minute.

12. Jonathan Roche – 7

Roche showed composure throughout the contest and absorbed plenty of defensive pressure. A heavy tackle from Anton Lienert-Brown resulted in the All Blacks centre being shown a yellow card, with Roche playing his part in creating the pressure.

11. Leolin Zas – 7.5

Zas used his pace effectively and consistently looked to threaten the All Blacks defensive line. He provided an outlet for the Stormers whenever they were able to create space out wide.

10. Yaqeen Ahmed – 7.5

Ahmed successfully converted two attempts in the 15th and 56th minutes. He also attempted a drop goal before half-time, although the effort went wide.

9. Imad Khan – 5 (3')

Khan's evening was cut extremely short after he sustained an injury just two minutes into the match. He was replaced by Dewaldt Duvenage.

1. Vernon Matongo – 7

Matongo worked hard at scrum time and around the field, showing plenty of physicality against the All Blacks front row. He was replaced by Ntuthuko Mchunu in the 45th minute.

2. Andre-Hugo Venter – 8

Venter was reliable at lineout time and produced several strong tackles. He was one of the Stormers’ most consistent forwards, combining his set-piece duties with plenty of physical work around the park.

3. Neethling Fouche – 7

Fouche put in a solid shift at scrum time and brought plenty of physicality to his defensive work. He remained heavily involved before being replaced in the 73rd minute.

4. Adre Smith – 7.5 (61')

Smith was strong at the lineout and carried the ball effectively when given the opportunity. He was replaced by Ruan Ackermann after 61 minutes.

5. Connor Evans – 7.5

Evans produced a committed defensive performance, consistently bringing ball carriers to ground and making a number of important tackles throughout the contest.

6. Deon Fourie – 8

Fourie produced an impressive performance despite being just months away from his 40th birthday. He showed his trademark physicality and determination, crossing the try line despite heavy defensive pressure before being replaced in the 61st minute.

7. Hacjivah Dayimani – 8

Dayimani was a defensive rock for the Stormers, particularly around his own try line. His determination and work rate helped frustrate the All Blacks as they attempted to force their way through.

8. Evan Roos – 8

Roos produced a powerful performance in the Stormers pack. His strong ball carrying helped the home side gain valuable metres and he was consistently involved in the physical battle.

Replacements

16. JJ Kotze – 6.5 (62')

Kotze brought physicality after coming off the bench and helped maintain the Stormers’ scrum effort during the closing stages.

17. Ntuthuko Mchunu – 7 (45')

Mchunu provided stability after entering the contest, working hard in the scrum and contributing defensively.

18. Herman Lobbe – 6.5 (73')

Lobbe brought energy and physicality after coming off the bench, although the All Blacks had already taken control of the contest by that stage.

19. Ruan Ackermann – 6.5 (61')

Ackermann made an immediate defensive contribution after replacing Smith, putting in a committed shift during the final stages.

20. Keketso Morabe – 6.5 (61')

Morabe provided fresh energy after replacing Fourie, contributing with several carries as the Stormers looked to fight back.

21. Wandile Mlaba – 6.5 (68')

Mlaba added energy from the bench, contributing defensively and making at least one carry during his time on the field.

22. Dewaldt Duvenage – 7 (3')

Duvenage entered almost immediately after Khan's injury and brought valuable experience and stability to the Stormers backline. His appearance was particularly notable with the veteran approaching retirement.

23. Wandisile Simelane – 8 (42')

Simelane made an immediate impact after replacing Nel, producing multiple carries early in his spell and continuing to look dangerous with ball in hand throughout the remainder of the match.

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