The Springboks head into the fourth and final Test against the All Blacks with a 2-1 series advantage. But with one huge battle still to come in Baltimore, which players have made the biggest difference so far?
South Africa have fought back strongly after losing the opening Test at Ellis Park, winning the next two encounters to move within touching distance of a historic series triumph.
The fourth Test takes place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September, with kick-off scheduled for 23:00 SAST.
Before the final showdown, we look at the players who have stood out most in rugby’s greatest rivalry.
How the series has unfolded
The All Blacks arrived in South Africa in strong form after a successful run against the country’s leading provincial sides.
New Zealand defeated the Stormers 38-21, destroyed the Sharks 54-0 and then beat the Bulls 50-19.
That momentum carried into the opening Test at Ellis Park, where the visitors produced an impressive performance to beat the Springboks 33-16.
South Africa responded in emphatic fashion at Cape Town Stadium on 29 August, winning 33-26 to level the series.
The third Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto proved even more significant. The Springboks held their nerve to secure a historic victory over New Zealand at the venue and take a 2-1 series lead.
Now everything comes down to Baltimore.
Springboks’ leading performers
Several South African players have produced standout performances across the opening three Tests.
Malcolm Marx delivered a massive performance in the third Test, once again demonstrating why he remains one of the world’s premier hookers.
Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Damien de Allende and Jasper Wiese have also made important contributions during the series.
And then there is Cheslin Kolbe.
The electric winger has been one of South Africa’s most influential attacking threats, but the Springboks will have to cope without him in Baltimore after he suffered a broken jaw during the third Test.
All Blacks stars making their mark
New Zealand have also had several players consistently performing at a high level.
Ardie Savea has arguably been their standout performer throughout the series. His power, work rate and ability to influence the game have repeatedly caused problems for South Africa.
However, Savea will also miss the final Test after suffering a shoulder dislocation in Johannesburg.
Will Jordan has been another constant threat, while Cam Roigard has impressed with his control and attacking influence.
Jordie Barrett and Leroy Carter have also produced strong performances, while Ethan Hooker has shown plenty of promise.
Kolbe vs Savea: The biggest absences?
With both Kolbe and Savea unavailable for the decider, their absence could have a major influence on the final result.
Both players have been among the most consistent performers in this year’s series, and losing them removes two of the biggest individual threats from the contest.
For South Africa, the challenge will be replacing Kolbe’s explosiveness and attacking creativity.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will have to find a way to compensate for Savea’s physicality and relentless work around the breakdown.
Who deserves Player of the Series?
Ratings are always subjective, but Savea, Kolbe, Jordan and Roigard have arguably been among the leading performers across the three Tests.
From the Springboks, Malcolm Marx, Wilco Louw, Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit have all played significant roles in South Africa’s turnaround.
But the final Test could still change the conversation.
With the series delicately poised at 2-1, Baltimore offers one final opportunity for the remaining stars to produce a performance that defines the rivalry.
Who is your Player of the Series so far?
