South Africa sealed a 3-1 success in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with an entertaining 43-28 victory in Baltimore.
Having ensured that they could not be beaten with back-to-back wins on South African soil, the Springboks surged away to wrap up the tour outright with a strong win. Scrum half Morne van den Berg was to the fore with an all-round performance, while Kurt-Lee Arendse lit up the second half with a scintillating solo score to help put the game beyond doubt.
The world champions were deserved winners, on balance, having fought back from falling behind in a stunning defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park. New Zealand boss Dave Rennie could take heart, though, from the fact that his side were never blown away, staying in the fight right to the last with veteran Beauden Barrett scoring the last try of the night at M&T Bank Stadium. Can they rise to challenge the Springboks for World Cup glory next year?
Follow all of the latest from the fourth Test with our live blog below:
South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE
- South Africa beat New Zealand in fourth and final Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series
- Springboks seal 3-1 series victory with success in Baltimore
- 10' – Captain Codie Taylor gets New Zealand on the board with fine try (RSA 3-7 NZL)
- 19' – Springboks hit back to lead before long delay (RSA 10-7 NZL)
- HT: South Africa 17-14 New Zealand
- 54' – Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit tries extend South Africa's advantage (RSA 29-14 NZL)
- 72' – Sparkling score from Kurt-Lee Arendse kills of All Blacks fightback (RSA 36-21 NZL)
- FT: South Africa 43-28 New Zealand
South Africa power away from New Zealand to claim inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
09:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa scored four second-half tries as they powered to a 43-28 win over New Zealand in Baltimore to wrap up a 3-1 success in their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series.
South Africa power away from New Zealand to claim inaugural Greatest Rivalry series
And here's Siya Kolisi
00:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“I want to thank every single South African, here in the stadium and back at home. Thank you so much. It was a special week. We are so grateful. We could hear you today. Thank you to the New Zealand supporters for coming to South Africa and embracing our people and our culture. The respect we have for each other as teams is always there.
“Coach Rassie knows how to get us up. When he speaks to us, he reminds us where we come from. We do it for the people of South Africa that would love to have the opportunities we have each and every day. That’s what drives us.”
Codie Taylor reflects on New Zealand's defeat
00:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“We talk a lot about moments during the week, and South Africa have stacked a few more moments against us. Full credit to them. They are a great side. They’ve proven why they are world champions. I look forward to playing them again, whenever that is, in the future.
“I’m so proud of the whole group, not just the players. I know this tour is going to set us up for the future. We are in an interesting place at the moment as a rugby nation. We’ve fallen short in this series, but I feel like we are growing as a group. I know that this rugby team is in a good place.”
Siya Kolisi lifts the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy
00:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Siya Kolisi hoists the trophy overhead – the Springboks are the inaugural winners of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Another prize for the collection for the double World Cup winners. They will head to New Zealand in four years’ time to defend it.
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry
00:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dan Carter and Schalk Burger carry out the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy, soon to be lifted by the Springboks.
Springboks scrum half Morne van den Berg is the player of the match
00:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“So emotional. It’s been such a massive honour to play for this team, this jersey, this country. I’m so proud of the boys that we can pull it through.
“It’s special. It’s always special to score tries; even more so in this game. It’s a dream come true. I’m speechless.”
FT: South Africa 43-28 New Zealand
00:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Three in a row for the Springboks, sealing the series in style after being stunned at Ellis Park. Deserved winners? On balance, you’d have to say so.
At the end of an intense four-Test series, the two sides come together in a circle of prayer and respect. A lovely end to a bruising series.
FULL TIME! South Africa 43-28 New Zealand
00:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa 43-28 New Zealand, 81 minutes
00:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Everyone looks absolutely knackered, the rigours of this Test and the three beforehand evident. The Springboks botch one attempt to bring proceedings to a close, but a Beauden Barrett back-door offload travels about five yards forward to finally halt things.
TRY! South Africa 43-28 NEW ZEALAND (Beauden Barrett, 80 minutes)
00:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Beauden Barrett strolls in! Too little, too late, but a nice moment for the veteran after a frustrating time internationally over the last little while. Damian McKenzie pops over a rapid conversion, though the game is long gone.
South Africa 43-21 New Zealand, 79 minutes
00:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Into the last knockings. A penalty against South Africa allows the All Blacks one last offensive, which will start with a free kick after the Springboks close the gap at the lineout.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 43-21 New Zealand (Cameron Hanekom, 78 minutes)
23:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The pressure keeps coming and Cameron Hanekom helps himself to a try!
All that experience, and that’s a poor decision from Beauden Barrett, tossing the ball away after going to ground to get that grubber. Will Jordan does manage to get to his teammate’s offload, but is helpless as Hankeom arrives to vulture him. Pecking at his ribs, the replacement flanker comes up with the ball and there is nary a tiring All Black in sight to prevent him finishing it off.
South Africa 36-21 New Zealand, 76 minutes
23:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Beauden Barrett has, belatedly, arrived, for Test cap 145. He’s immediately forced into defensive duties, just about surviving the aerial arrival of Ethan Hooker to get on to a clever chip kick from Cobus Reinach.
There’s the eldest Barrett brother again, sliding back to grab a grubber. But...
South Africa 36-21 New Zealand, 74 minutes
23:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
27 tries in 35 Tests for Kurt-Lee Arendse – a hot-stepper and so much more.
Ethan Blackadder has trucked well in what will surely now be a defeat for the All Blacks, but that one will be tough on review: a simple knock-on as he takes his eye off the ball.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 36-21 New Zealand (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 72 minutes)
23:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And the try stands! A sparkling score to surely seal Test and series victory from the flying Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Try?
23:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Blimey, this is tight. There is a tangle of legs beforehand, which only complicates things, with both players falling to floor anyway. The officials don’t seem certain. Referee Karl Dickson takes the lead...
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 36-21 New Zealand (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 72 minutes)
23:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’ll ease the nerves! A moment of magic from Kurt-Lee Arendse...if it counts!
There might have been an early tackle on Josh Moorby before the ball bounced free to Arendse, who stepped away from six All Blacks on a gleeful gambol. But was the timing of Cameron Hanekom’s retreating tackle on Moorby ok?
South Africa 29-21 New Zealand, 70 minutes
23:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It feels quite tense, all of a sudden. South Africa have lost some of their more experienced figures, while New Zealand are preparing to bring their sagest head on – Beauden Barrett is stripped and ready to come on.
South Africa 29-21 New Zealand, 69 minutes
23:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ironman Kyle Preston is on at scrum half for New Zealand having featured in every match of the tour. Some effort.
He’s nearly under the posts instantly, too! Will Jordan and Peter Lakai connect down the left and when the latter looks infield, Preston is the likely recipient of his pass. But Cobus Reinach covers excellently, knocking back the ball intended for his fellow replacement scrum half. Manie Libbok sweeps up the loose pieces with Preston disappointed.
South Africa 29-21 New Zealand, 67 minutes
23:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A coach-killing penalty from Tupou Vaa’i! Oh dear, oh dear, holding a player unnecessarily at a ruck and refusing to let Cameron Hanekom go even with the ball cleared away. Just silly. Pressure valve released.
Penalty only! South Africa 29-21 New Zealand, 66 minutes
23:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hmm...more of a rugby incident than anything, Libbok not committing to the tackle at all. There is head-on-head contact...and only a penalty. About right, probably.
Still, onwards New Zealand march. Damian McKenzie punts the forwards down into the South Africa 22 as Pieter-Steph du Toit is replaced by Cameron Hanekom. Deon Fourie is now captain of the Springboks.
TMO CHECK! South Africa 29-21 New Zealand, 66 minutes
23:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Now then. Jordie Barrett goes down holding his head – a high tackle from Manie Libbok? TMO Andrew Jackson will take a look...
South Africa 29-21 New Zealand, 65 minutes
23:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Well well well. An inauspicious start from Manie Libbok, on for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and over-flighting his restart. Out on the full. All Blacks scrum on halfway.
TRY! South Africa 29-21 NEW ZEALAND (Ethan Blackadder, 63 minutes)
23:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And there is that score! A vital try for New Zealand, Ethan Blackadder the third to cross this evening for the All Blacks.
A burly finish from the big back rower, whose father Todd was a tourist with the Incomparables that conquered South Africa 30 years ago. That challenge has come and gone for the current crop but they are still alive tonight!
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 62 minutes
23:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks then threaten to go the length of the field, a grubber bouncing kindly for Ethan Hooker and the wing then very nearly escaping the clutches of Damian McKenzie. The full-back just about clings on to an ankle, allowing Will Jordan to limpet over the top and earn a penalty.
A breakdown infraction from Deon Fourie gives the All Blacks another. Richie Mo’unga curls it inside the corner flag. New Zealand have to score, you feel.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 61 minutes
23:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Given away! What a waste that is, New Zealand cutting South Africa open as Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi motor away. Support arrives but Sititi squanders the chance two phases later, tossing where he thinks a teammate should be but instead finding the midriff of Jesse Kriel.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 60 minutes
23:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jordie Barrett batters a free kick up beyond halfway...and the newly-arrived Josh Lord makes a mess of South Africa’s lineout. All Blacks ball as they pick up the scraps.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 58 minutes
23:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That felt a vital goalline stand for New Zealand, surely killed off with one more score. 15 points already feels a lot, though.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 57 minutes
23:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But after 17 phases of toil, Pieter-Steph du Toit shells possession in contact. Xavier Numia and Asafo Aumua – running mates for years for a series of age-group sides, Wellington and the Hurricanes – deal a double hit on the Springbok to force the ball free.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 56 minutes
23:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa fancy making a statement. Pace and purpose (and power, of course) about their play as they get back to work deep in Kiwi territory, with Jordie Barrett forced into a sharp cover tackle on Damian Willemse wide on his defensive left edge. Pressure building, mind.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 54 minutes
23:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It matters not – Cam Roigard was offside when he initially ripped the ball from Pieter-Steph du Toit, as the footage clearly reveals.
A big moment. That would have been a yellow for Morne van den Berg; as it is, a penalty to South Africa beyond halfway.
Wallace Sititi is on in the All Blacks back row, with Tupou Vaa’i moving forward for the displaced Patrick Tuipulotu.
South Africa 29-14 New Zealand, 54 minutes
23:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Individual brilliance! Cam Roigard pilfers possession from Pieter-Steph du Toit like an expert pickpocket, and then chips ahead for himself. He hacks the ball onwards and then is tackled – and as it was a ball on the floor, he wasn’t in possession. Morne van den Berg may be in a spot of bother...
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 29-14 New Zealand (Pieter-Steph du Toit, 54 minutes)
23:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And the stand-in Springboks skipper gets in! Pieter-Steph du Toit finishes off a lovely score from South Africa, all stemming from that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu adventure down the right. Momentum scarcely slowed therafter, and Du Toit provides the telling tote.
Morne van den Berg takes over kicking duties from his half-back partner, and converts.
South Africa 22-14 New Zealand, 52 minutes
23:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks cut loose! Space again for those outside backs, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu illustrating and then illuminating off the back of it with a lively break down the right.
South Africa 22-14 New Zealand, 51 minutes
23:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Malcolm Marx is done for the day, and the series. A totemic, talismanic figure throughout. Deon Fourie, the ageless wonder, replaces him.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 22-14 New Zealand (Malcolm Marx, 49 minutes)
23:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A meaty maul and a Malcolm Marx meat pie! The hooker is the buried beneficiary of a typically hefty heave, though New Zealand may feel unfortunate not to have been deemed to have stalled it twice. South Africa kept patient, though, and eventually found their way to the line.
No conversion from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 48 minutes
23:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The crowd won’t necessarily be enjoying a string of resets, though those of a South African persuasion enjoy the penalty that eventually comes. Ethan de Groot hit the deck first as the scrum came to floor.
The Springboks kick into the left corner as New Zealand change their whole front row, Xavier Numia joining the aforementioned Aumua and Lomax in an all-Hurricanes unit. Jordie Barrett is now All Blacks captain.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 47 minutes
23:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Panic for South Africa as the scrum ball pops free from the side, but it’s come out of the tunnel, so it’ll be reset. Off Lood de Jager’s knee, by the looks of things.
The All Blacks are readying both burly hooker Asafo Aumua and tighthead Tyrel Lomax, though won’t yet be able to use them.
Separately, there are just over 68,000 in, a really impressive attendance figure.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 45 minutes
23:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Kurt-Lee Arendse slices through again! Scintillating stepping from the little wing, shimmying and shaking three defenders in quick succession.
Out of the line shoots Will Jordan to try and cut down space...was that a deliberate knock-on? Just in the tackle, referee Karl Dickson rules, as Damian Willemse looked to flick on to a two-man overlap. Fair enough. Springboks scrum 15 out.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 44 minutes
23:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Changes from South Africa. Enter Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager and Andre Esterhuizen; exit Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje and Siya Kolisi. Pieter-Steph du Toit takes over as captain.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 42 minutes
23:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Malcolm Marx has taken a bang, the big hooker receiving treatment. Codie Taylor is literally having the blood wiped off his face as he lines up his lineout target. Gnarly.
Taylor finds Sam Darry in the middle. The All Blacks can play from just inside the Springboks half. Jordie Barrett goes to the air...and Josh Moorby taps it back. Cam Roigard picks up the scraps and scurries into space, but Morne van den Berg’s breakdown work on his opposite number is superb. Penalty, South Africa.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 42 minutes
23:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But that’s not where you want Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – the No 10 dives in to resource a ruck and is pinged for coming in from the side. Pretty clear.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 41 minutes
23:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A fast start from South Africa! Kurt-Lee Arendse finds a forward exposed at space and duly dashes past him, poor Ethan de Groot toiling in the wing’s wake. Into the All Blacks 22 he goes.
Second half...
23:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right then. 40 more minutes in this inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. A squared series, or a Springboks success? Back underway.
HT: South Africa 17-14 New Zealand
22:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A few sore bodies and open wounds as the players trudge towards the locker rooms at M&T Bank Stadium. As ever, it’s been bruising stuff in Baltimore, with a long delay for a communication issue with the officials creating a natural halfway break in that first 40 that both sets of forwards seemed to relish. It’s been an even enough contest, really, as the score suggests – the Springboks are on top with their kicking game but have struggled a little for fluency ball-in-hand.
HALF TIME: South Africa 17-14 New Zealand
22:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 42 minutes
22:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rieko Ioane is on for Anton Lienert-Brown in the All Blacks midfield, but his inside pass doesn’t quite work. Malcolm Marx pilfers breakdown ball, and Ethan Blackadder is penalised for going in from the side. Onwards the half goes...but not for long! Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu bites off more than he can chew with the punted penalty, sending it dead, and this lengthy half is at last at an end.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 40 minutes
22:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another knock on in contact from a South African centre – and a rare penalty against them, too. Ox Nche is called by assistant Christophe Ridley for not driving straight, in on the angle. Dave Rennie would have liked a few more of those through the course of the series.
The clock is dead; this’ll be it for the first half.
South Africa 17-14 New Zealand, 38 minutes
22:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Eben Etzebeth has had a corking half. He charges down Cam Roigard and looks the favourite to get to the loose ball, though it trundles dead before the long-limbed lock can really open up his stride. Goalline drop out.
TRY! South Africa 17-14 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 38 minutes)
22:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And finally the dam bursts! 32 phases end, inevitably, with a Will Jordan score!
A remarkable passage of rugby, New Zealand throwing a series of haymakers but South Africa meeting them with defensive punches of their own. Eventually, though, space opens, with a brilliant swivel ball from Jordie Barrett at the line allowing Jordan to hit a gap at pace. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu grabs the elastic but can’t pull him back before the free-scoring wing adds yet another Test try to his tally.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 36 minutes
22:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
24 phases! And still going! Remarkable continuity as they plough onwards and onwards. Finally, penalty advantage, and another offence in short order. Ethan Blackadder goes forth.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 35 minutes
22:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks resteel, bashing back the All Blacks for 15 phases. Patrick Tuipulotu gains some momentum with a cavalier charge. Up towards 20 phases now, but still South Africa stand strong, Siya Kolisi peeling back Ethan de Groot. Some hellacious contacts.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 33 minutes
22:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Clever! A short throw to the front and then pop back to Codie Taylor to send the skipper scampering down the touchline. The Springboks fell him five metres out.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 32 minutes
22:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Some fun stuff from New Zealand in attack, Jordie Barrett crosskicking to Codie Taylor and the hooker then flicking the ball out the back to Tupou Vaa’i. Cam Roigard is found on the inside but dragged down by Malcolm Marx, who wins breakdown turnover No 763 (all figures approximate) of the series.
Or not. The All Blacks had advantage. Back for it they will come, and advance down the right touchline.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 30 minutes
22:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand are being beaten in the air repeatedly again. A knock-on prevents Siya Kolisi capitalising on one tap-back, but Damian Willemse soon enough claims his own up-and-under in typically assured fashion.
That’s another misuse of the boot from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, though. Out on the full as he overcooks a diagonal punt.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 29 minutes
22:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ah. Not Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s best. The Springboks playmaker tries to bank three points but drags his drop goal wide. Six points passed up from the boot by Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 27 minutes
22:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa on the charge! Kurt-Lee Arendse dances into open acreage beyond the All Blacks defensive line, before that man Jasper Wiese is sent forward with interest. Ox Nche is the next of the burly blokes to have a rumble, with Ruan Nortje following along.
But a penalty to New Zealand! Tupou Vaa’i is rewarded for a jackal with a Springbok deemed off his feet. Had the ruck been formed legally initially? Well, it may not matter as Richie Mo’unga fails to find touch.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 26 minutes
22:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Codie Taylor is pouring with claret again, that gash opened back up. Another pause while he is seen to. “We are at an American football stadium, after all,” Schalk Burger quips on commentary, not necessarily enjoying this fractured game.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 25 minutes
22:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jesse Kriel knocks on, though, to squander the possession.
South Africa 17-7 New Zealand, 24 minutes
22:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Yowzer! Eben Etzebeth catches up with Richie Mo’unga, reintroducing himself with a hefty thud into ribcage and then surface just after the All Blacks fly half had released his pass. Mo’unga gets up relatively swiftly. I’d have been down for about three weeks.
The Springboks have just lifted the physicality since that unwelcome pause. Pieter-Steph du Toit is sprung into space in the left tramlines as they build pressure again.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 17-7 New Zealand (Morne van den Berg, 22 minutes)
22:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The big boys do the heavy lifting and the littl’un does the rest! A mighty Springboks maul sucks New Zealand bodies in to a black hole, creating room for scrum half Morne van den Berg to shimmy in off the back of it. Over goes the extra two and the South Africa lead swells.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 21 minutes
22:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Wiese is positively thumping about, dealing more damage in a thunderous carry.
Aha – the officials are managing to communicate again! Assistant referee Matthew Carley calls in to Karl Dickson to say that an All Black played the ball on the floor after Josh Moorby had been turned by a kick. South Africa poke the resultant penalty into the right corner.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 19 minutes
22:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right. Back underway. This could be fun if there is anything contentious.
Jasper Wiese releases some pent-up frustration by bumping off a grasping All Black. Major biffage.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 19 minutes
22:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What a shambles.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 19 minutes
22:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So, it seems South Africa have agreed to resume the game with no officials communication, while New Zealand have not...yet. This feels far from ideal for a game that rugby bigwigs hope will showcase the sport to a key growth area.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 19 minutes
22:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Still the delay continues. We had some issues in Chicago when Ireland and New Zealand were there last November. It’s killed all of the momentum in this game.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 19 minutes
22:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hmm. This is a bit of an issue. Karl Dickson can’t hear his officials, and we can’t hear him. The captains are told of the problem.
Missed penalty! South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 17 minutes
22:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu lines up the penalty for goal from halfway, and gives it a fair old whack – but doesn’t quite find the fairway. Away to the right.
Some communication issues for the officials. The players take a pause while their technology is sorted.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 18 minutes
22:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand are penalised at the scrum. A second brake foot withdrawal from Codie Taylor is the call, which the All Blacks captain doesn’t agree with. Referee Karl Dickson gives him short shrift, but that looks very, very harsh.
South Africa 10-7 New Zealand, 17 minutes
22:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A little bit of indecision from New Zealand, Damian McKenzie unsure whether to attempt to counter or to kick. The latter was probably the better option – it usually is when the alternative is running straight at Eben Etzebeth and PIeter-Steph du Toit, the most fearsome bouncers in Baltimore. Knock on.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 10-7 New Zealand (Damian de Allende, 16 minutes)
22:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Built like a loose forward and bashing through like one – Damian de Allende is there!
The centre looms at the base and then picks his spot, piercing Ethan de Groot and Quinn Tupaea to get to the line. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converts.
South Africa 3-7 New Zealand, 15 minutes
22:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Closer and closer still! Eben Etzebeth felled with two metres. Morne van den Berg nearly there...
South Africa 3-7 New Zealand, 14 minutes
22:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand are free kicked, and South Africa play at pace. Jasper Wiese and Damian de Allende form a muscular pairing of initial carriers; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is different in style but no less effective. 10 metres out.
South Africa 3-7 New Zealand, 12 minutes
22:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A few early handling errors on a very humid evening in Baltimore. Josh Moorby guilty this time, fumbling inside the Springboks 22. South Africa run it back with interest and then kick ahead, with Jesse Kriel told to relent his chase having been offside.
Ooh...close! A lovely idea from Damian McKenzie with Anton Lienert-Brown all alone on the extreme right, but the kick doesn’t quite go to hand. Lienert-Brown seemed to misjudge the flight, slightly, though won’t be too used to that sort of position. Springboks scrum wide on the left, 30 metres out.
South Africa 3-7 New Zealand, 11 minutes
22:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A 29th Test against New Zealand for Eben Etzebeth. Remarkable. The enduring pillar in the heart of the pack.
Right, scrum time. An initial nudge from South Africa but New Zealand steady it well. Honours even.
Cam Roigard’s clever kick over Kurt-Lee Arendse’s head forces the wing to turn. Arendse can only clear to about the 22-metre line.
South Africa 3-7 New Zealand, 10 minutes
22:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A nice ball from Cam Roigard in there to find Taylor one slot wider than the Springboks had marked.
Richie Mo’unga throws a risky pass inside his own 22, tossing it over the top to Jordie Barrett with Springbok limbs reaching for it. The centre is safely found. Will Jordan belts long; Damian Willemse replies, finding touch just inside the All Blacks half.
Eben Etzebeth pinches that lineout, but Damian de Allende soon knocks on. A first scrum of the game.
TRY! South Africa 3-7 NEW ZEALAND (Codie Taylor, 8 minutes)
22:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Superb rugby from the All Blacks and the skipper finishes it off! Vintage stuff, really, forwards linking beautifully with backs to exploit spaces out wide. Damian McKenzie is felled three metres out but Codie Taylor is all alone in space in the next phase, burrowing for the line once he’s busted between would-be tacklers.
McKenzie adds the extra two.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 8 minutes
22:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A worry for New Zealand: Peter Lakai is heading off for an HIA. With Ardie Savea already out, they would not want to lose another back rower. Wallace Sititi is on early while Lakai is assessed.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 7 minutes
22:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Slick handling from the All Blacks, through Tupou Vaa’i and Peter Lakai and on to Josh Moorby. He makes eight metres with a bustling weave.
But there’s Eben Etzebeth! A great turnover from the giant lock.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 6 minutes
22:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, what’s New Zealand’s answer? Codie Taylor was busted open in that passage but has been patched up – a stray knee, rather than anything untoward. The All Blacks win possession high up the field and Cam Roigard then taps a penalty quickly. Into the South Africa 22.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 3-0 New Zealand (Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 5 minutes)
22:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Straight and true. South Africa on the board.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 4 minutes
22:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is appetite to play phases for the Springboks, too. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is caught high – the fly half is on kicking duties from the tee with no Cheslin Kolbe in the side, and will line up this penalty.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
22:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s the great thing about these series. These two teams will feel they know each other and their trends so well. Things like that switch of approach in their own territory from the Springboks will challenge expectations. New Zealand may have a couple of curveballs, too.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
22:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa show ambition to play straight away, catching New Zealand off guard with a swift transfer to the blindside inside their own 22. They draw penalty advantage and Kurt-Lee Arendse is almost found by a cross-kick from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu back the other way.
Back for the pen.
KICK OFF!
22:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
On his Test return, Richie Mo’unga gets the action underway!
New Zealand vs South Africa
22:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Codie Taylor leads the Haka, the hooker captaining the All Blacks for the first time and full of intensity as he lays down the pre-match challenge to South Africa. Kapa O Pango delivered in typically fierce fashion – time for action.
Anthems
21:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Two very pleasant renditions of the national anthems, with a healthy South African contingent making themselves known in the stands. It’s full to the brim, pretty much. Impressive.
South Africa vs New Zealand
21:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Impi Warriors have made the long trip to Baltimore, performing their customary pre-match routine before the Springboks emerge. Plenty of energy, as always, from the muscular men.
A pair of Open champions are on flag-bearing duties: Louis Oosthuizen and Ryan Fox.
Fourth Test match officials
21:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
ARs: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Christophe Ridley (Eng)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Experience in the ranks
21:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s worth noting, mind, the experience within the All Blacks 23. Anton Lienert-Brown is very quietly closing in on a century of international caps, while the inclusion of Rieko Ioane (88) and Beauden Barrett (144) among the replacements adds another hefty helping of Test knowledge. New Zealand’s age profile is in a pretty good place ahead of next year’s World Cup – and days like these will be big for the development of Peter Lakai, Sam Darry, Josh Moorby and co.
South Africa at full strength
21:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rassie Erasmus has intelligently used opportunities to rotate with an expert eye during his time in charge of the Springboks, always seemingly thinking ahead to give opportunities to the next cabs on the rank. It feels instructive that there is none of that here – this is, allowing for injuries, a full-strength South Africa side, and one that will be intent on sealing series victory.
Richie Mo'unga returns...but Ruben Love still first choice?
21:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dave Rennie was emphatic in his press conference on Thursday that Richie Mo’unga’s start here had always been planned, the All Blacks boss keen to integrate his returning fly half with plenty of Test footy to come this year. Ruben Love appears to remain his first choice No 10, though.
“Regardless of the result at Soweto, whether we came here up 2-1 or down 2-1, we were gonna start Richie," said Rennie.
"Last week was probably the biggest Test the All Blacks have played since the World Cup final. And we trusted (Love) to run the ship ahead of probably three more experienced 10s. That highlights where we see him.
"While they're competing, competing, competing against each other, they're also helping each other grow. Ruben's been really smart. He's got beside a lot of those guys and talked a lot of footy, and it's really good for our group."
New Zealand team news
21:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Richie Mo’unga is primed for his first international appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final as he starts the fourth Test ahead of Ruben Love – a move pre-planned regardless of last week’s result. It’s a new-look pack with mixed injury news: Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson and an ill Fabian Holland are ruled out, but Ethan de Groot and Sam Darry are able to feature having progressed through head injury return-to-play protocols.
Codie Taylor is reinstalled to the starting side and will captain the All Blacks, with Anton Lienert-Brown replacing the absent Quinn Tupaea in an experienced midfield.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor (capt.) 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Sam Darry; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Peter Lakai; 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Richie Mo’unga; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Repacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Beauden Barrett.
South Africa team news
21:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cheslin Kolbe is ruled out of the fourth Test after fracturing his jaw last weekend. Damian Willemse’s return from injury at full-back is therefore welcome, with Morne van den Berg preferred as starting scrum-half ahead of Cobus Reinach in an otherwise familiar Springboks 23.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Morne van den Berg, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 15 Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom; 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.
About today's venue...
20:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ordinarily, M&T Bank Stadium is the home of the Baltimore Ravens, who are Indianapolis this weekend ahead of their NFL season opener against the Colts. Built in 1998, we should be in for near enough a 70,745 sellout – an impressive effort.
Why women hold the key to rugby fulfilling its American dream
20:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Expect to see plenty more top Tests held Stateside over the next few years as rugby builds up to men’s and women’s World Cups in the country in 2031 and 2033. We could even see a Six Nations game in the US – though it is the women that may have best chance of a lasting impact in North America, as World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin explained to us last year.
Why women hold the key to rugby fulfilling its American dream
Why are South Africa and New Zealand playing in Baltimore? The inside story of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
20:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Now, you may be wondering why this game is in Baltimore – a perfectly reasonable question with a relatively reasonable answer as rugby looks to crack the USA.
Why are South Africa and New Zealand playing in Baltimore? The inside story
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is it, then, the last encounter of a busy itinerary for this inaugural, landmark series. Good fun?
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule and how to watch Springboks v All Blacks
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea ruled out of fourth Test against South Africa
20:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was a bruising affair that continued a punishing series last Saturday, with All Blacks captain Ardie Savea among those since ruled out.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea ruled out of fourth Test against South Africa
Springboks edge fiery clash against New Zealand to edge 2-1 ahead in series
20:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks have already ensured that they cannot lose the series, fighting back from 1-0 down to edge ahead with success in Soweto last week.
Springboks edge fiery clash against New Zealand to edge 2-1 ahead in series
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
