The Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks will meet in Baltimore on Saturday in the fourth and final Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Although the match is being played thousands of kilometres away from South Africa and New Zealand, both teams are expected to approach the encounter seriously, with the series trophy still at stake.
South Africa currently leads the four-match series 2-1 after beating New Zealand in the third Test at FNB Stadium last weekend.
The All Blacks will be looking to respond after losing the crucial home-leg encounter in Johannesburg. A victory in Baltimore would allow New Zealand to share the trophy, while a Springbok win would see South Africa claim the series outright.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has largely retained his team, with the side expected to rely on its physical approach after making an impact in the second half of last weekend’s Test.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has made several changes to his team, partly because of injuries. Experienced centre Anton Lienert-Brown returns, while the All Blacks have also reshuffled their forward pack following the absence of Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson.
The changes could give New Zealand an advantage in terms of freshness, with some of the replacements having played less rugby during the series.
However, South Africa will be seeking a convincing victory to strengthen its claim as the stronger side ahead of future encounters, including next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The match will be played at 11pm South African time on Saturday, 12 September, with England’s Karl Dickson appointed as referee.
The Springboks are tipped to win by 15 points or more.
