BALTIMORE — The All Blacks head into the final Test against the Springboks with their series hopes hanging in the balance, knowing that only victory in Baltimore will prevent South Africa from claiming a 3-1 triumph.
The Springboks lead the four-match series 2-1 after winning the last two Tests, putting New Zealand under pressure ahead of a historic encounter on American soil.
For the All Blacks, the return of Richie Mo’unga could provide a crucial boost. The fly-half is set to make his first Test start since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, bringing experience and attacking creativity to a side desperate to respond.
South Africa, however, will arrive with growing confidence. The world champions have demonstrated their ability to control the physical battle in the previous two matches and will be targeting another victory to underline their dominance in the rivalry.
Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick acknowledged the threat posed by Mo’unga and the wider New Zealand attack but insisted South Africa would remain focused on imposing its own style.
The All Blacks are expected to look for opportunities to keep the ball alive and attack the wider channels, areas where South Africa will need to remain disciplined.
Stick warned that New Zealand have enough quality to punish even small mistakes.
The stakes could hardly be higher. A South African victory would seal the series and further strengthen the Springboks’ position at the summit of world rugby, while an All Blacks win would force a 2-2 draw and give New Zealand a chance to claim momentum from the encounter.
With the series on the line and two of rugby’s greatest rivals meeting for the first time in Baltimore, the final Test promises to be more than another chapter in the rivalry — it is a battle for supremacy, redemption and momentum.