Stormers veteran Dewaldt Duvenage set to sign off career against All Blacks

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour kicks off on Friday when the Stormers host the touring All Blacks. Given the United Rugby Championship group of players is three weeks into their pre-season and the franchise needs to field a matchday 23 for their Currie Cup clash on Sunday, Dobson has been forced to think out of the box with selections.

The inclusion of 38-year-old scrumhalf Duvenage on the bench raised a few eyebrows, especially with much young talent coming through the Stormers setup. But Dobson has his reasons that are hard to disagree with.

"I think this will be his last game for the Stormers and what a way to finish," confirmed Dobson.

"It will be his last game unless we get a run of injuries. Imad [Khan] has come through so well, and Cobus [Reinach] is coming back. Stefan [Ungerer] is good, and then Ezekiel Ngobeni is coming on really strong.

"The reason we did it is that we have to put out a good team against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup. I wanted Jean-Luc du Plessis, who is the Currie Cup captain, to play and I wanted Stefan.

"People are thinking I am being sentimental by choosing Dewaldt. The answer is no. Stefan and JL were both disappointed - everyone wants to play this game.

"Dewaldt will finish and go and coach. He will be our pathways, Currie Cup and Under-23 attack coach. He is a great servant and what a way for him to finish."

Duvenage first ran out for the Boland Cavaliers in 2007 before signing with Western Province the next year. His rugby journey took him to France, Italy and finally back to Cape Town.

READ MORE: Stormers superstars ready for historic date with the All Blacks in Cape Town