Junior Springbok flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed will make his Stormers debut after being named to start against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Friday night.
The selection represents a significant step for Ahmed, who impressed during the Junior Boks' recent campaigns. He will line up opposite double World Cup winner Beauden Barrett in the historic clash, which opens the Greatest Rivalry tour between the Stormers and New Zealand's leading franchises.
Barrett acknowledged the quality of his young opponent in the build-up to the fixture. "With him and Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] the Stormers are in pretty good hands going forward," Barrett said. "The success of the Junior Boks in recent times has been superb."
Barrett's Newlands memories
The veteran All Black also reflected on his first encounter with the Stormers, a 2012 Super Rugby fixture at the old Newlands Stadium. Playing for the Hurricanes as a youngster, Barrett scored 21 points in a losing effort, announcing himself on the South African stage despite the 26–39 defeat. That match also marked Siya Kolisi's debut off the bench, with the future double World Cup-winning captain earning player of the match honours after replacing the injured Schalk Burger.
"I recall playing at Newlands… it's still in the top three stadiums for me playing against Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers and some other great names as a Hurricane at a time," Barrett said. "It's just great to be back in Cape Town; we feel the love and support in the city."
The Stormers reached the United Rugby Championship semi-finals last season, and Barrett noted his side's awareness of the threats John Dobson's team pose. Ahmed's debut adds another dimension to that challenge, with the young flyhalf now tasked with orchestrating the Stormers' attack against one of the game's most decorated playmakers.
Friday's fixture offers Ahmed the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of those who have worn the Stormers No. 10 jersey in marquee encounters, with Barrett's presence ensuring the occasion will test the full range of the Junior Bok's abilities.