The Springboks have one final hurdle to clear in their latest battle with the All Blacks — and South African supporters will need to stay up late to watch it.
Rassie Erasmus’ world champions head to Baltimore this Saturday for the fourth and final Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series, with the Springboks holding a 2-1 advantage after an intense victory at FNB Stadium.
The stakes could hardly be higher.
A Springboks victory at M&T Bank Stadium would see South Africa secure the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy outright, while an All Blacks win would level the series at 2-2.
What time is Springboks vs All Blacks kick-off?
For supporters watching from South Africa, the match is scheduled for a late-night start.
Springboks vs All Blacks kick-off: 23:00 SA time
The Test will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States, meaning South African viewers will have to tune in at 23:00 on Saturday night.
It promises to be another blockbuster chapter in one of international rugby’s greatest rivalries.
Springboks take 2-1 series lead
South Africa moved into the driving seat with a thrilling 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium.
The result gave the Springboks a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series, putting them within touching distance of lifting the trophy.
However, Erasmus has repeatedly stressed that the job is not finished.
The Springboks coach knows that New Zealand remain capable of producing a completely different performance in Baltimore, particularly after the All Blacks showed their quality during the opening stages of the Johannesburg Test.
Rassie Erasmus refuses to get carried away
Despite the importance of the FNB Stadium victory, Erasmus was quick to remind his players and supporters that the series will ultimately be decided in the United States.
South Africa may have the advantage, but the coach believes there is still plenty of work to do.
Erasmus also highlighted how closely matched the two sides have been, pointing out that the rivalry continues to live up to its reputation as a contest between two of the world’s leading rugby nations.
His comments underline the Springboks’ approach heading into Baltimore: celebrate the win, learn from it and then immediately shift focus to the final Test.
All Blacks fighting to keep the series alive
New Zealand now have no room for error.
The All Blacks must win in Baltimore if they are to prevent South Africa from claiming the series. A victory would take the overall score to 2-2 and ensure the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series ends level.
That makes Saturday’s encounter particularly intriguing.
For the Springboks, it is an opportunity to finish the series strongly. For New Zealand, it is a chance to respond after falling behind in the contest.
Another massive test awaits
The Springboks will arrive in Baltimore knowing that another close encounter could be on the cards.
The previous Test demonstrated just how little separates these historic rivals, with South Africa eventually edging New Zealand by five points.
Erasmus acknowledged the intensity of the contest, describing the fixture as a massive occasion given the calibre of the two teams.
The challenge now is to reproduce the composure, physicality and execution that helped South Africa prevail at FNB Stadium.
Springboks vs All Blacks: Everything you need to know
Match: Springboks vs All Blacks
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
Series score: Springboks lead 2-1
Kick-off: 23:00 South African time
Series scenario: Springboks win = series victory; All Blacks win = 2-2 draw
For South African rugby fans, Saturday night is set to be a late one — but with the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy on the line, there will be plenty of reason to stay awake.
