The Springboks and All Blacks will have far more than pride and series honours at stake when they meet in Baltimore on Saturday, with the World Rugby No. 1 ranking also hanging in the balance.
South Africa head into the final Test of the four-match series at the summit of the world rankings, holding 94.33 rating points, while New Zealand sit close behind on 91.90 points.
For Rassie Erasmus and his Springbok side, the mission is clear: win in Baltimore, secure the series and remain the top-ranked rugby nation in the world.
But the All Blacks have plenty to fight for too.
A victory for New Zealand could not only level the series but also see them reclaim the No. 1 position, adding another massive layer of drama to one of rugby’s greatest rivalries.
How the World No. 1 Ranking Could Change
The Springboks currently hold a narrow advantage at the top of the World Rugby rankings, but Saturday’s result could have major consequences.
A New Zealand victory by between one and 15 points would see the All Blacks gain enough ranking points to move above South Africa and reclaim the No. 1 spot.
A bigger victory of 16 points or more would widen the gap even further in New Zealand’s favour.
A draw, however, would not be enough to remove the Springboks from the top of the rankings.
Meanwhile, any Springbok victory would see South Africa strengthen their position at the summit.
Ranking permutations at a glance:
- Springboks win: South Africa remain No. 1 and extend their lead.
- Draw: Springboks remain No. 1.
- All Blacks win by 1–15 points: New Zealand move into the No. 1 spot.
- All Blacks win by 16+ points: New Zealand take No. 1 with a bigger points advantage.
Springboks Lead the Series 2-1
The rankings battle comes at the perfect time, with the Baltimore Test also serving as the decisive match of the four-Test series.
South Africa currently lead the series 2-1 after responding to New Zealand’s opening victory with back-to-back wins.
The Springboks will now have an opportunity to seal a memorable 3-1 series victory, while the All Blacks are fighting to avoid a series defeat and force a 2-2 finish.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has already made it clear that South Africa are not interested in settling for a drawn series.
The world champions want to finish the series on a high.
Historic First Meeting on American Soil
Saturday’s clash at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore will also make history.
It will be the first time the Springboks and All Blacks meet in the United States, bringing one of international rugby’s biggest rivalries to American soil.
The match is expected to attract major attention as rugby continues to grow in the United States ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
For both teams, Baltimore represents an opportunity to showcase the sport on a massive new stage.
Changes for the All Blacks as Richie Mo’unga Returns
New Zealand head into the match with several changes to their side as they look to end the series on a winning note.
One of the biggest talking points is the return of Richie Mo’unga, who is set to make his first Test appearance in three years.
Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks following Ardie Savea’s injury, while several other changes have also been made to the New Zealand pack.
The Springboks, meanwhile, have opted for continuity as Erasmus backs the players who helped the team take control of the series.
Springboks vs All Blacks: Everything at Stake
The equation could hardly be bigger.
For the Springboks, victory would mean:
- A 3-1 series victory
- Retaining the World Rugby No. 1 ranking
- Another statement win over their biggest rivals
- A historic victory in the first Springboks-All Blacks Test played in the United States
For the All Blacks, a win could:
- Level the series at 2-2
- Potentially return New Zealand to the top of the World Rugby rankings
- End South Africa’s momentum with a major statement victory
Match Details
Fixture: Springboks vs All Blacks
Competition: International Test Series – Final Test
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Kick-off: 23:00 SA time
Series score: Springboks lead 2-1
World rankings before the match:
- South Africa – 94.33 points
- New Zealand – 91.90 points
All Eyes on Baltimore
This is more than just another Springboks vs All Blacks Test.
A historic series victory, the World No. 1 ranking and national pride are all on the line when the two rugby giants take the field in Baltimore.
The Springboks have the chance to finish the series in style and strengthen their grip on the top spot in world rugby.
But the All Blacks know that one big performance could change everything.
Can the Springboks defend their No. 1 ranking and seal a famous series victory, or will the All Blacks spoil the party and return to the top of world rugby?
