"One thing about the midweek games you don’t fully understand until you’ve been involved is their job is to beat the s**t out [of the All Blacks]," Hansen mentioned on the Rugby Unity podcast, setting the scene for a gritty showdown.
"They may not be Test players yet but they want to be, so they’re going out to prove, ‘Hey, I’m good enough to be in your team, Rassie [Erasmus]’."
This sentiment underscores the hunger of the Stormers players to make an impression. However, the All Blacks are not without their issues, having arrived with a 44-man squad rocked by injuries. Coach Dave Rennie has planned rotations for the upcoming matches against the Stormers, Sharks, and Vodacom Bulls before the first Test at Ellis Park.
Hansen has faith in Rennie's selection strategy. "I don’t think anyone was unfairly missed out," he said, approving the team composition. "Everyone else has earned the right to be there. I think it’s a pretty soundly selected side."
There was a notable selection call involving openside flank Du’Plessis Kirifi, whom Hansen admitted was unlucky not to tour. He noted, "Selecting a team sometimes involves more than just picking out-and-out specialists."
Stormers coach John Dobson remains tight-lipped about any strategic adjustments or about their approach to taking on a well-prepared New Zealand side, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
This first encounter in Cape Town is set not only as a test of strength and skill but as an opportunity for many Stormers players to showcase their talents on an international stage. The stage is set for a riveting chapter in rugby’s storied rivalries.
