Overview
- The fourth Test in Baltimore on Saturday is the series decider with South Africa leading 2-1 and able to clinch the four‑match tie with a win.
- All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has been ruled out after dislocating a shoulder in the third Test and Quinn Tupaea will also not play because of a knee injury.
- Dave Rennie has made sweeping changes, naming Codie Taylor as captain, Richie Mo’unga at fly‑half and five players making their first starts of the series to cope with the injury losses.
- South Africa retain an experienced core led by Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende and plan to press their advantage through dominant scrums, lineouts and maul play.
- How each side uses its bench and whether referees favour or curb Springbok set‑piece tactics are expected to shape the result and could affect World Rugby rankings and the tour’s wider legacy in the United States.