Springboks hold 2-1 lead over All Blacks as Baltimore finale looms

South Africa will take a 2-1 advantage into Saturday’s fourth and final Test against New Zealand in Baltimore after a 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium, but both sides are facing significant injury concerns ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry decider.

The Springboks overturned the pressure of a must-win third Test in Soweto, with Manie Libbok and Ethan Hooker among the standout performers. Their victory followed a 29-24 defeat by the All Blacks in the opening match at altitude, leaving the four-Test series level at 1-1 before the Johannesburg contest.

South Africa produced a dominant performance at FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, although New Zealand created opportunities and were punished by missed chances. The All Blacks lost captain Ardie Savea to injury during the match, while the Springboks suffered their own major setback when Cheslin Kolbe sustained a broken jaw.

Cameron Hanekom responded strongly after making two costly errors in Cape Town, delivering a disciplined cameo as South Africa moved in front in the series. The Springboks’ scrum superiority, their ability to withstand pressure and Kolbe’s injury were among the five major talking points from the contest.

Ethan Hooker said South Africa had recognised that the third Test was ‘make or break’ and had benefited from embracing the pressure. Coach Rassie Erasmus praised what he described as an epic victory but warned that his team had not yet reached its full potential.

Captain Siya Kolisi has also insisted that the Springboks must improve if they are to secure the series in the United States. Erasmus believes greater consistency will be essential, and he has said the squad will “hit the reset button” as soon as it arrives in the USA for the final Test.

South Africa have made two strategic changes to their line-up for the decisive match. Erasmus has explained his decision to retain Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu while planning to use Manie Libbok later in the game.

The All Blacks are expected to be depleted by injuries, with assistant coach Neil Barnes saying they must find solutions if they are to defeat the Springboks. With Ardie Savea among those unavailable, Dave Rennie is set to recall Richie Mo’unga and Rieko Ioane for Saturday’s match.

Despite the significance of the fixture, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore is expected to provide a different atmosphere from the partisan venues in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Springbok supporters are expected to dominate the stands, but the United States venue will be a far cry from the intense home crowds of South Africa.

The final Test will also briefly interrupt the friendship between rival captains Ardie Savea and Siya Kolisi, who will face one another for 80 frenetic minutes.

Away from the series, former All Blacks player Lima Sopoaga has reflected on a South African rugby tour that changed his perspective and deepened his appreciation of the country and its people. He explored South Africa through its food, sampling a masala steak gatsby in Cape Town, as well as a kota, Dunked Wings and other local treats in Johannesburg.

Layla Kolbe has meanwhile shared an emotional hospital update following Cheslin Kolbe’s broken jaw. The injury means the Springbok will miss Saturday’s United States Test, adding another challenge for Erasmus as South Africa attempt to win Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.