The Springboks and All Blacks are set for a bizarre change of scenery next week — from fierce rivals on the rugby field to travelling companions on the same flight.
South Africa and New Zealand will share a charter flight to Baltimore just hours after their third Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 5 September.
The unusual journey comes with the two sides locked in a four-Test series, with the final showdown scheduled for M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September.
Kick-off is set for 23:00 South African time.
From fierce rivals to flight companions
The two teams will first renew one of international rugby’s biggest rivalries in front of a packed FNB Stadium.
But once the final whistle sounds, the rivalry will temporarily take a back seat as both squads prepare for a lengthy journey across the Atlantic.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that sharing a plane with the All Blacks is a strange prospect, particularly given the intensity expected during the third Test.
“It’s kind of a weird thing to do,” Erasmus said.
He explained that the teams will spend roughly 12 to 15 hours on the same charter flight to the United States.
The arrangement isn’t completely new for Erasmus, however. He revealed that the Springboks have previously travelled with Argentina when the two teams played successive matches between South Africa and the Pumas’ home country.
Recovery will be crucial
With four Tests being played over four consecutive weeks, player recovery could prove just as important as tactics.
Erasmus acknowledged that the long flight presents another challenge for both teams.
The coach said recovery would be particularly important after the physical battle at FNB Stadium, although both sides will face exactly the same travel conditions.
Once they land in Baltimore, however, the temporary travelling partnership will be over — and attention will quickly turn towards the fourth and final Test.
Springboks set for key reinforcements
South Africa are also expected to welcome several important players back into the squad for the Baltimore encounter.
Handré Pollard, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie are all set to travel to the United States and could be available for selection.
Pollard has been recovering from a calf injury, while Williams has worked his way back from the grade-one hamstring injury suffered in the opening Test.
Moodie has also recovered from a hamstring problem picked up against Argentina.
Erasmus confirmed that all three players will be on the flight and ready for selection in Baltimore.
Their returns could give the Springboks a significant boost heading into the final match of the series.
A historic clash in Baltimore
The Baltimore Test will mark the first meeting between the Springboks and All Blacks on American soil.
The match will be played at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, giving the historic rivalry a very different backdrop.
Despite the novelty of playing in the United States, Erasmus insists the fundamentals remain unchanged.
For the players, the challenge is still rugby — regardless of the continent or stadium.
The Springboks and All Blacks may share a plane to Baltimore, but once the teams arrive, the friendly travelling arrangement will be forgotten.
Rugby’s greatest rivalry will resume — this time on American soil.
