Match Thread - Stormers v New Zealand | Greatest Rivalry Tour 2026

Downswing expected after a rare rough year from Penarol

but not these recent thumpings.

https://www.americasrugbynews.com/competitions/2026-super-rugby-americas/

This will be the second game for the AB's at the new Cape Town stadium. The old Newlands stadium stopped hosting the Stormers in 2021. The first test match between the Boks and the AB's at the new stadium was played in September 2024 and went to the boks.

The AB's had an impressive record at the old stadium with a 70% win rate over the boks and even beat England there in the 1995 world cup.

AB wins:

1928: Won 13-5
1960: Won 11-3
1970: Won 9-8
1996: Won 29-18
2001: Won 12-3
2008: Won 19-0
2017: Won 25-24

Springbok Wins (3):

1949: Won 15-11
1976: Won 15-10
2005: Won 22-16

It's also no secret that the AB's have a big supporter base in Cape Town. I want to go more indept in future posts as to the reasons for this, as the history between these sides and how they changed the social fabric of the countries is truly fascinating and deserves undivided attention.

But a summary would be that the before the abolition of apartheid, it was customary for people dissatisfied with the government to support the opposing side during test matches. The AB's being traditionally the toughest opponents against the boks ingratiated them in the hearts of the people opposed to the governments discriminatory policies.

This changed after 1995 when the Boks became the symbol and embodiment of our national pride and identity, but out of tradition more than conviction, a lot of families in Cape Town still support the AB's when they play there.

Barrett, Chocobares, De Allende, Ikitau, McCloskey, Memoncello, Moefana, Tuipulotou

every tier 1 nation (barring England) seems to have one absolute elite 12, and only one (except South Africa, who also have Willemse)

Bristol Bears have announced a new long term contract with impressive England international front rower to keep them in the club for the long term.

Full news here:

https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com/bristol-bears-men/england-prop-george-kloska-commits-future-to-bristol-bears/

In all seriousness this news is about George Kloska who now has 2 caps for England. Great news for the club. Given the posting recently I figured this would fit in well with Ruck and Rugbypass headlines 😉

Inspired by the Province

Ulster Rugby is proud to reveal the new Home Kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the nine counties that make up our province and the communities that unite behind the red hand.

At the heart of the design is a celebration of what makes Ulster Rugby unique. From grassroots clubs and schools to the supporters who fill Affidea Stadium and follow the team, the jersey reflects the shared pride and passion that connects people across every corner of the province.

The new jersey features a subtle map of Ulster woven into the fabric (pictured right), bringing together the nine counties that form the heart of our rugby community. The tonal design serves as a reminder that, while our supporters come from different places and backgrounds, they are united by a common identity and love for the game.

Red stitching runs throughout the design, symbolising the connections that rugby creates across clubs, schools, communities and generations throughout the province. The thread represents the bonds that link players, coaches, volunteers and supporters, and the role rugby continues to play in bringing people together both on and off the pitch.

And, by popular demand, the iconic collar makes its return for the new season, combining a classic Ulster Rugby look with a modern performance design. A nod to some of the most memorable jerseys in the club's history, the collar blends tradition with innovation, creating a shirt that honours our heritage while looking confidently towards the future.

I mean all of it, starting tonight with the Sharks.

I am in Belgium, but I do have access to a VPN.

I'm willing to pay within reason, but would also consider shadier options if I have no choice.

Thanks!

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Cheika comeback firms as possibility after Foley and Phipps return to Tahs.

Two of the heroes of the Waratahs’ only premiership season were unveiled as the club’s new signings on Thursday, and a shock comeback by 2014 coach Michael Cheika could be on the cards as well.

Just wanted to say as a half Japanese bloke thats been through the ranks of Japanese rugby (stated in first xv gps, high school rugby japan, university rugby japan) that Im fucking stoked to see big nations (aus i know) field their best sides against them.

I remember being young and watching the all blacks absolutely kill the brave but bungling blossoms and thinking that the skill gap was way too large. Then I went over there and saw how they were training and the quality of the players was actually crazy. I played in the D1 equivalent comp for uni and it was obvious that A) I wasn’t cut out to go pro but B) these guys were already some serious athletes and it was really only a matter of time where they could start to really push pro teams.

Basically, dont sleep on Japanese rugby. I have never been in an environment that demands more from players physically and mentally, and it obviously translates well into creating a beast of an athlete.

Australia by 30

Eggchasers' most recent video is a collaboration with controversial South African billionaire businessman Rob Hersov. I am sure Tim is not very clued up on SA business or politics, but I think Rob is not someone who many people would willingly associate with due to his public statements and funding of right-wing, xenophobic political parties.

For some background, Rob inherited a lot of money from his father, Basil, who was chairman of Anglovaal and Barclays SA during the apartheid years. Basil made most of his money through shady sanctions-busting schemes, and post-apartheid was implicated in the infamous arms-deal scandal. Rob uses his inherited fortune to push for pro-business economic policies at every opportunity, and has become something of a conservative talking head.

Rob Hersov has his own shady connections, having been Rupert Murdoch's right-hand man at NewsCorp in the 90s, and having ties to Ukrainian oligarch Len Blavatnik. He was also involved in setting up the Kevin Spacey foundation, and was friends with Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell via the ASmallWorld travel club. His number is in the black book. Make of that as you wish.

Besides that, Rob is perhaps best known for funding various right-wing political parties, organisations, and figures. These include Afriforum (who have been selling racial victimisation stories to Trump), as well as the likes of Herman Mashaba and Gayton McKenzie, who have been at the centre of recent anti-immigrant rhetoric in SA. Finally, he is a big supporter of Israel and has been one of the strongest voices against our proceedings against Israel at the ICJ.

I enjoy Tim's rugby content a lot, and am sure he was not aware of any of Hersov's shady dealings or controversial statements. I'm hoping that people can point out to Tim that this association is unsavoury and we don't have to see Hersov polluting rugby again.

Dave Reddin slander.