South Africa Close In on Series Win Over New Zealand
The Springboks host the All Blacks in Baltimore for the series decider, already unbeatable after their Soweto win, with Ardie Savea out injured.
South Africa and New Zealand play the fourth and final Test of their series in Baltimore, at the home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, with the Springboks already unable to lose the series.
Rassie Erasmus has named a strong side for the decider, looking to close out the series rather than settle for a draw.
New Zealand come into the match without captain Ardie Savea, ruled out with a shoulder injury picked up in Johannesburg, and having lost their last two meetings with the Springboks. The All Blacks will need to find a response without their leader on the field.
The fixture forms part of rugby's push into the United States, with the men's and women's World Cups both due to be staged there. Organisers see the "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series, and its move away from South African soil for this final round, as a step toward building an American audience for the sport. Kick-off is at 10pm BST.
A New Zealand win in Baltimore would draw the series 2-2; anything less closes it out for the world champions.
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Sources 6
- South Africa v New Zealand LIVE: Latest updates as Springboks and All Blacks battle in Baltimore independent.co.uk
- South Africa v New Zealand: fourth and final rugby union Test – live theguardian.com
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- South Africa power away from New Zealand to claim inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series independent.co.uk
- Record crowd in US for Springboks vs All Blacks is World Cup 'appetiser' skysports.com
- Greatest Rivalry swagger showed South Africa will take some beating at World Cup theguardian.com