Stormers host defending champions Griquas in Carling Currie Cup opener

Flyhalf Jean‑Luc du Plessis will captain the DHL Stormers XXIII in their historic first Carling Currie Cup match, facing defending champions Suzuki Griquas at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday night (19:05). New head coach Tom Dawson‑Squibb highlighted the team's enthusiasm and competitiveness as they begin a new era.

Six Stormers players – fullback Dylan Miller, wing Mfundo Ndhlovu, No. 8 Wandile Mlaba, lock Tom Barnard, loose‑forward Xola Nyali and inside back Dominic Malgas – will make their Carling Currie Cup debut, with several others also featuring for the first time. Griquas arrive in good form, having lost only two of their 14 matches this season and previously defeating the Stormers 47‑17 in 2025.

The opening weekend also includes Premier Division games such as the Pumas versus Sharks XV, with SuperSport set to broadcast five fixtures live.