The Springboks and All Blacks are set for one final showdown in Baltimore on Saturday, with the fourth Test of their series carrying plenty of significance for both rugby giants.
South Africa have the chance to finish the series in style, while New Zealand will be desperate to respond and force the contest to a 2-2 finish.
With the match taking place in the United States, it promises to be a unique occasion as two of international rugby’s biggest rivals meet in Baltimore for the first time.
Springboks Make Minimal Changes
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a settled starting XV for the third consecutive week.
The major change comes at fullback, where Damian Willemse replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe. Morne van den Berg also comes into the starting lineup at scrumhalf.
Captain Siya Kolisi will once again lead the team, while veteran lock Eben Etzebeth is set to extend his record as the most-capped Springbok ever to 146 Test appearances.
The Springbok starting XV features a wealth of experience, with 927 combined Test caps between the starters.
All Blacks Name a New-Look Team
New Zealand have made considerably more changes as they look to finish the series with a victory.
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks, while one of the biggest stories is the return of Richie Mo’unga.
The experienced flyhalf is set to make his first Test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
Anton Lienert-Brown also comes into the midfield, while several other changes give the All Blacks a noticeably different look for the Baltimore clash.
Springboks Starting XV
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.
All Blacks Starting XV
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett.
Who Is Refereeing the Springboks vs All Blacks?
England’s Karl Dickson has been appointed as the referee for the Baltimore Test.
He will be assisted by fellow English officials Matthew Carley and Christophe Ridley, with Andrew Jackson serving as the Television Match Official.
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 South African time.
Springboks vs All Blacks: The Numbers
The rivalry remains one of the most storied in international rugby.
South Africa and New Zealand have met 113 times, with the Springboks winning 45 matches, the All Blacks 64 and four ending in draws.
However, recent form favours South Africa. The Springboks have won seven of their last nine meetings with New Zealand since August 2023.
Saturday’s match will also be historic for South Africa as it marks the first-ever Springbok Test in Baltimore.
The USA will host the 2031 Rugby World Cup, adding another layer of significance to this showcase fixture.
More Milestones on the Line
Etzebeth’s 146th cap will further cement his place at the top of the Springbok appearance charts.
Jasper Wiese is also closing in on 50 Test caps and will need just one more appearance after this match to reach that milestone.
The loose trio of Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Wiese will meanwhile extend their record for the most Test starts by a Springbok loose trio to 19.
With so much history attached to the fixture, the Baltimore encounter promises to be much more than just another Test.
The Springboks want to underline their recent dominance over their biggest rivals, while the All Blacks have an opportunity to restore pride and finish the series level.
Springboks vs All Blacks. One final battle. One historic Baltimore night.
