Springbok legend Breyton Paulse has praised the Stormers for their battling display against the All Blacks, despite their 38-21 defeat at Cape Town Stadium on Friday night, 7 August.

The opening match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour drew around 47 000 fans to Cape Town Stadium, where the Stormers pushed the All Blacks hard throughout an entertaining contest.

Paulse acknowledged that some refereeing decisions left the Stormers frustrated, but said those moments should not overshadow what an impressive occasion it was.

“What a gutsy performance by the Stormers. The game could have gone anywhere in the last 15-20 minutes,” Paulse said.

He conceded there were questionable calls during the match, while pointing out that refereeing decisions can go either way. “There’s definitely a few strange calls, but overall, sometimes calls are going to go against you, and calls are going to go for you,” he said.

Stormers coach John Dobson had also raised concerns about several decisions, including a scrum where his side appeared to dominate without being awarded a penalty.

Despite the controversy, Paulse was impressed by the atmosphere surrounding the match and believes the occasion was a major success.

“What a start to the tour. I think everybody loved it,” he said.

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With excellent weather, a packed stadium and a highly competitive opening encounter, Paulse described the match as a spectacle for everyone involved.

“Take away the calls and all the drama. It really was a spectacle. I think everybody who went there, fans and stuff, the experience must have been great.”

The All Blacks now turn their attention to the first Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on 22 August.

Source: Kick Off