Overview
- The four‑match 'Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry' reaches its decider on Saturday in Baltimore with South Africa holding a 2‑1 lead and able to clinch a 3‑1 series victory.
- New Zealand have overhauled their starting XV for the finale, recalling hooker Codie Taylor as captain and fly‑half Richie Mo’unga while coping with injuries to leaders such as Ardie Savea.
- Rassie Erasmus has kept near‑identical selection for the Springboks, making only limited changes after back‑to‑back home wins and bringing Damian Willemse in for the injured Cheslin Kolbe.
- World Rugby and union chiefs say the match will generate substantially higher match‑day revenue for both unions, with one estimate of an about $8 million split benefit and plans to use big US Tests to boost finances ahead of the 2031 World Cup.
- A sellout crowd of roughly 70,000–71,000 and thousands of travelling South African fans, including an organised Braai Army section, create a largely neutral atmosphere that could shape momentum and World Cup preparation for both teams.