Springboks Conquer Baltimore, Defeat All Blacks 43-28 to Win Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series
One of international rugby’s greatest rivalries arrived in Baltimore on Saturday night, and the Springboks made history under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium.
South Africa defeated New Zealand 43-28 in the fourth and final Test of the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, closing out the four-match series with a 3-1 record. The matchup marked the first time the All Blacks and Springboks had faced one another in a Test on U.S. soil.
More than a century of rugby history collided with the American sports landscape as M&T Bank Stadium — normally home to the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens — transformed into the stage for one of rugby’s most iconic rivalries.
With the series already tilted in South Africa’s favor after victories in Cape Town and Johannesburg, New Zealand entered Baltimore needing a win to split the series. Instead, the Springboks delivered another statement performance, using their physicality and relentless pressure to pull away in the second half.
The All Blacks battled throughout the opening half, but South Africa took a 17-14 lead into halftime. New Zealand continued to attack after the break, but the Springboks gradually created separation and finished with 43 points to secure the victory.
The Baltimore finale capped a remarkable four-Test series between two nations whose rivalry dates back more than a century. New Zealand opened the series with a 33-16 victory in Johannesburg before South Africa responded with wins in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Springboks then finished the job in Baltimore.
For Baltimore, however, the night was about more than the final score.
The match represented a major moment for rugby in the United States, bringing two of the sport’s most accomplished international teams to an American football stadium in front of a massive crowd. The All Blacks had previously played six Tests on U.S. soil, but Baltimore marked their first appearance in the city and the first rugby Test at M&T Bank Stadium.
From the pre-match build-up to the final whistle, the atmosphere inside the stadium reflected the global reach of the sport and the growing American audience for international rugby.
South Africa leaves Baltimore with the series trophy and another chapter added to one of sport’s most enduring rivalries.
For the All Blacks, the night marked the end of a challenging series.
For Baltimore, it was an opportunity to witness rugby history firsthand.
Final: South Africa 43, New Zealand 28.
Exclusive Access was on the ground in Baltimore capturing the action, atmosphere and moments from Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
