Every great chef remembers the first time the kitchen doors swing open. For Yaqeen “The Chef” Ahmed, that moment arrives on Friday night when the 20-year-old flyhalf is handed the recipe for one of South African rugby’s biggest occasions.
The gifted playmaker will make his DHL Stormers debut against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium, serving as the headline ingredient in a team selected for the franchise’s historic first meeting with New Zealand.
Ahmed has earned a reputation for mixing vision, composure and daring into a recipe that has left defenders with a bitter aftertaste. Now the young flyhalf steps into rugby’s hottest kitchen, where every pass, kick and decision will be placed under the fiercest flame.
Outside centre Ruhan Nel captains the Stormers in a fixture carrying the aroma of history. Alongside Ahmed, scrumhalf Imad Khan forms a youthful halfback pairing entrusted with stirring the Stormers attack against one of the game’s most celebrated rugby nations.
Behind them, Warrick Gelant provides the garnish from fullback, while speed merchants Seabelo Senatla and Leolin Zas promise to add spice out wide. Jonathan Roche completes the backline, with experienced duo Dewaldt Duvenage and Wandisile Simelane waiting on the bench to season proceedings should the contest require fresh flavours.
Up front, the Stormers pack will attempt to win the battle where every gourmet performance begins. André-Hugo Venter packs down between Vernon Matongo and Neethling Fouché, while locks Adré Smith and Connor Evans provide the platform.
The loose trio of Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani and veteran Deon Fourie reunites for the first time since helping deliver the inaugural Vodacom URC title in 2022. Like trusted master chefs returning to a familiar kitchen, they understand that the finest dishes are prepared through relentless work before the applause arrives. Ruan Ackermann, Keke Morabe and Wandile Mlaba offer fresh energy from the bench.
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson believes the occasion is worthy of the occasion.
“This is history in the making as the DHL Stormers take on New Zealand for the first time, and our team is determined to make it one to remember for our fans.
“For a club side to take on an international team ranked second in the world is a massive opportunity and one that every player and management member is looking forward to.”
Friday night’s encounter offers Ahmed the opportunity to announce himself on one of rugby’s grandest stages. The ingredients have been carefully selected. The kitchen is full. The oven is blazing.
Now it is time for “The Chef” to find out whether his finest creation can leave the All Blacks with a taste they will never forget.
DHL Stormers named to make history against New Zealand https://t.co/3NqUVqjNQq
— Adnaan Mohamed (@Adnaan1111) August 5, 2026
DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
