All Blacks v Springboks: What you need to know
The All Blacks and Springboks are set to play a series-deciding rugby match in Baltimore, marking the first time the rivals have met on American soil. Coach Dave Rennie has recalled several experienced players to attempt to draw the series.
Why it matters
This match concludes a high-profile international rugby series and represents a rare expansion of the sport into the U.S. market.
The All Blacks meet the Springboks in Baltimore this weekend in a series decider that will settle Rugby's Greatest Rivalry for 2026, with South Africa leading 2-1 heading into the fourth and final Test. It's the first time these two sides have ever played each other on American soil, with M&T Bank Stadium — home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens — hosting the historic occasion. The All Blacks <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/23/blitzed-boks-in-meltdown-as-all-blacks-go-one-up-in-south-africa/">won the first Test 33-16 in Johannesburg</a>, before South Africa hit back with a <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/30/all-blacks-fall-short-as-desperate-springboks-tie-series/">33-26 win in Cape Town</a> and sealed a 2-1 series lead with <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/06/saveas-injury-adds-to-all-blacks-woes-after-defeat-to-boks/">victory in Soweto last weekend</a>. Head coach Dave Rennie has named <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/11/all-blacks-turn-to-experience-for-crucial-fourth-test-against-boks/">his most experienced side of the tour</a>, bringing back Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipulotu in search of a spark. "We have everything to play for on Saturday," Rennie said.
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