Full Breakdown
South Africa Clinches Series Victory Over New Zealand in Baltimore
By Drooid · · How we work
Series Decider in Baltimore
South Africa defeated New Zealand 43–28 in the fourth Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, sealing a 3-1 series win. The Springboks built a 17-7 halftime lead at M&T Bank Stadium and extended it to 29-14 after the break. Late tries by Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cameron Hanekom sealed the result, while Beauden Barrett’s consolation try for the All Blacks came after the outcome was decided.
Background & Context
The rivalry, which began with a Test in Dunedin in 1921, returned to the United States after a month-long South African tour. The first three Tests were played in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Soweto, with South Africa winning the second and third matches after an opening loss. The series finale in Baltimore was the first traditional Test series between the two nations on American soil and served as a showcase ahead of the United States’ men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: South Africa 43, New Zealand 28.
- South Africa tries: Damian de Allende, Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cameron Hanekom.
- New Zealand tries: Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, Beauden Barrett.
- Penalty points: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa).
- Attendance: reported as 68,173 (The Baltimore Sun) and a capacity crowd of 71,000 (The Guardian).
Official Statements & Responses
Captain Siya Kolisi thanked Erasmus for reminding the squad of their national roots.
World Rugby’s venue-planning director Gilpin noted the match demonstrated the feasibility of hosting World-Cup-standard rugby in large NFL venues and that the turnout would bolster Baltimore’s case as a future World Cup site.
Chief growth and innovation officer Moon Javaid said the record attendance could help “sell” Baltimore to World Rugby officials, emphasizing the importance of happy fans for future events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He knows how to get us up, and when he speaks to us he reminds us where we come from, the country that we come from,” — Siya Kolisi, South Africa captain
- “Full credit to them – they’re a great side and they’ve proven why they’re world champions.” — Codie Taylor, New Zealand captain
- “At the end of the day you just need to outscore your opposition,” — Rassie Erasmus, head coach
- “We’ve been in a long process with venues and cities, over the last two years,” — Gilpin, World Rugby
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans described the atmosphere as electric, with a “sea of green” dominating the stands. Local supporter Craig Logan, originally from Durban, highlighted the record-breaking turnout. Chicago-based fan Steve van der Watt, dressed as the “Springbok Hulk,” said the excitement around rugby in America had “completely changed.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Attendance figures differ between sources: 68,173 (Baltimore Sun) versus a capacity crowd of 71,000 (The Guardian). No official post-match audit has been released to reconcile the numbers.
What’s Next
World Rugby is using the Baltimore success to argue for the city’s inclusion in the 2031 Rugby World Cup venue pool. Gilpin indicated that a full Rugby Championship is planned for the World Cup year, creating additional opportunities for marquee matches in the United States. The Springboks will turn their focus to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while the All Blacks aim to build on the series experience ahead of the same tournament.