Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Test Rugby
International Rugby Union
South Africa vs New Zealand
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, United States
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Kick-off is at 23:00
With the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour heading toward a close, South Africa will target a 3-1 win in the series when they take on New Zealand in Baltimore this weekend, while the All Blacks stand in line to level the score overall.
South Africa currently lead the series 2-1 following a spirited 29-24 win at the DHL Stadium last Saturday. In what was a display of physical dominance in Cape Town, the Springboks were led by tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx and Jesse Kriel, while a penalty-try in the first-half added to their points tally.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s try conversions and single penalty goal added further daylight between the two sides, while New Zealand scored via the likes of Ardie Savea (2), Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei'aho with two conversions coming from Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie respectively.
Image source: Getty Images
Regarding team news for South Africa, Cheslin Kolbe is set to miss the upcoming match with a broken jaw, which paved the way for Damian Willemse to be selected and will slot in a more natural full-back position. Elsewhere, Morne van den Berg earned a starting berth, replacing Cobus Reinach who will start from the bench.
For New Zealand, the iconic rugby nation will be without inspirational leader Ardie Savea, who dislocated his shoulder last time out following a ruck clean out by Malcolm Marx. Luke Jacobson reportedly suffered a elbow injury while Quinn Tupaea will be out of action for a longer period after noting an MCL Knee injury.
With the fourth test against New Zealand in mind, Rassie Erasmus noted that he is expecting a ‘backlash’ from their rivals following two consecutive defeats in South Africa.
At the same time, Erasmus urged his side to finish the job in Baltimore by acknowledging the All Blacks as a resilient outfit.
“We have faced the All Blacks three weeks in a row, and just like us, they are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle, so we are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend,” Erasmus said.
“That said, we are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy, and the players are excited about the match.
“We have no doubt that it’s going to be another epic encounter that will require a full-blown 80-minute effort on attack and defence, so we will manage the players well this week to ensure that they are ready physically and mentally for Saturday.”
Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok
Greatest Rivalry Tour
Fixtures
Saturday, 12 September
23:00: Springboks vs All Blacks
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