Overview
- South Africa holds a 2-1 lead going into the fourth Test and will clinch the four-match series with a win or a draw in Baltimore on Saturday.
- New Zealand named a heavily revised side for the decider, recalling fly-half Richie Mo’unga and naming Codie Taylor captain after injuries ruled Ardie Savea and others out.
- South Africa kept near continuity in selection with only Cheslin Kolbe absent because of a fractured jaw and Damian Willemse starting at full-back.
- Organisers expect a near sell-out crowd of about 70,000 to 71,000 at M&T Bank Stadium and estimate substantially higher match-day receipts than a South African-hosted game.
- World Rugby and the unions are using the fixture to probe US demand for top Tests ahead of the 2031 men's and 2033 women's World Cups and to assess whether moving marquee matches drives lasting interest.