History in the USA: South Africa and New Zealand Collide in Baltimore Blockbuster

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image History in the USA: South Africa and New Zealand Collide in Baltimore Blockbuster
The Springboks and All Blacks are set to face off at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore today in a high-stakes clash on an NFL stage. After a stunning performance in Soweto last week, South Africa holds a 2-1 series lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry ahead of this monumental matchup.
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Title on the Line in Baltimore 

The historic match between the Springboks and the All Blacks in Baltimore tonight marks their first clash on American soil and the decider in what has been a truly captivating edition of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. 

This match will also serve as a preview ahead of the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup in the USA!

The four-match series has unfolded with dramatic shifts in momentum, starting with the All Blacks’ 33-16 victory at Ellis Park before South Africa bounced back with a 33-26 win in Cape Town and a narrow 29-24 triumph in Soweto last weekend to take a 2-1 lead stateside. 

Removing home advantage from the equation is a massive factor for tonight’s blockbuster. The three Tests in South Africa have already proven how fine the margins are between these giants of the Southern Hemisphere, and the following three factors could prove key to the final outcome of this series: 

  • The Set-Piece Battle: Can the All Blacks’ front row withstand the brutal pressure of the Springboks scrum?
  • The Tactical Kicking Game: The heavy, humid Baltimore air may play a massive role in territory finders off the boot and aerial contests
  • The War at the Breakdown: Who steps up to slow down the ball during key turnovers? 

Confirmed Team Lineups: Key Star Selections for South Africa vs New Zealand

As mentioned in our South Africa vs New Zealand prediction, Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to his Matchday 23 squad from Soweto last week. The enforced change is that of Cheslin Kolbe, who is ruled out due to a broken jaw, while the tactical tweak is the return of Damian Willemse to start at full-back. 

Ethan Hooker and Kurt-Lee Arendse complete the back three, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel make up the midfield pairing. The pack is unchanged, with Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw in the front row, ahead of Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje, Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit. 

Meanwhile, Dave Rennie has opted for some rotation, headlined by the return of Richie Mo’unga, who is set to feature in his first Test for the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against this very opponent in France. 

The key absentee for New Zealand is Ardie Savea, who is out injured and has been replaced by Peter Lakai at number 8. Codie Taylor has been handed captaincy for this match, while Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell have been promoted from the bench to the starting XV. 

How to Watch Springboks vs All Blacks: TV Channels for SA, NZ, and the US

The finale of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 will be broadcast at 23:00 on Saturday (12 September) in South Africa and at 09:00 on Sunday (13 September) in New Zealand. Below are the major regional broadcasters, and you can also follow all the action on our South Africa vs New Zealand live score tool. 

  • South Africa: SuperSport (Grandstand & Rugby channels)
  • New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
  • United States: FloRugby/ Peacock Premium
  • United Kingdom & Global: Sky Sports / RugbyPass TV