All Blacks prepare for South Africa tour with Stormers opener in Cape Town
The All Blacks begin their tour of South Africa this weekend against the Stormers, facing predictions of a tough series ahead.
The All Blacks are set to face the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday as they begin a series against South African franchise sides. A World Cup-winning Springbok has predicted South Africa will win the series 3-1, citing fatigue as a factor against New Zealand. The scrum is expected to be a key battleground, with South Africa's dominant set-piece strength historically central to their rugby strategy. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie will name his team selection in the early hours of Thursday.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
Springboks legend's warning to All Blacks ahead of brutal tour
World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff believes fatigue will catch up with New Zealand, predicting a 3-1 series win for South Africa.
Stuff
âUnder no illusionsâ: All Blacks set to re-engage with South African franchise sides
Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, Lions. Teams many Kiwi fans havenât considered for a while, but are about to meet again.
Stuff
Who will join All Blacks test centurion in tour opener against Stormers?
All Blacks veteran Beauden Barrett is guaranteed a start against the Stormers. But who will join him in the team to play in Cape Town on Sunday morning?
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Sean Fitzpatrick rates 1996 series win ahead of World Cup triumph
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick rates New Zealandâs historic 1996 series victory over South Africa above being part of the side that won the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
Stuff
Choose your All Blacks team to play the Stormers with Stuffâs team selector
Who do you think All Blacks coach Dave Rennie will start against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday morning? Choose your starting team.
Stuff
The big selection questions ahead of All Blacksâ tour opener
All Backs coach Dave Rennie will name his team in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Stormers: Thousands of tickets still available for South Africa tour opener
All Blacks v Stormers â 5am, Saturday
Stuff
Have your say on the All Blacks team to play the Stormers and the SA tour
Join rugby writers Richard Knowler and Robert van Royen to discuss all things All Blacks.
The Spinoff
All Blacks in South Africa: where Rugbyâs Greatest Rivalry will be won and lost
The old adage âno scrum, no winâ has never been truer than right now, writes Paul Thomas. The All Blacks are hardly walking into an ambush. Last year forwards coach Jason Ryan described an embarrassing scrum against South Africa atâŠ
NZ Herald
All Blacks can forget winning series against South Africa if they play like that – Gregor Paul
Their poor high-ball work could give the Springboks a simple winning plan.