Why Springboks vs All Blacks means more than just a Test series

The Springboks and the All Blacks wrap up their Test series in the United States this weekend.

South Africa and New Zealand collide in Baltimore on 12 September in the final game of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

Here’s why the fourth Test could mean more to Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie than just the final scoreline.

New Zealand: A game more about the coach

The All Blacks have already lost the Test series in South Africa on points.

Winning in Baltimore would result in a 2-2 draw, at best, with the RGR trophy being shared.

The more important question is how Rennie approaches a “dead” game this early into his tenure.

He was brought in to rebuild after Scott Robertson’s dismissal and is already facing a deadline set by New Zealand Rugby.

According to Planet Rugby, citing a statement, Rennie’s deal runs “no later than” the end of the 2027 World Cup.

This could explain the team he has selected for the Test in Baltimore, as published on New Zealand Rugby’s website:

• Codie Taylor has been recalled to lead the side following an injury to captain Ardie Savea in the third Test.
• Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipuloto, Ethan Blackadder, Richie Mo’unga, and Anton Lienert-Brown make their first starts of the series.
• Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord return after leaving the first Test due to concussion protocols.

Rennie seems set to stress-test the All Blacks’ depth against the Springboks, hinting at questions being asked of his squad earlier than his union would have expected.

South Africa: Sights could shift to World Cup campaign

For the Springboks, the fourth Test could be more about continuity and stability than experimentation.

Rassie has stated outright that the series has been about defining a first-choice team.

“I have to be honest, we tried to build our player depth more than going for outright wins in the tournament. Obviously, we’ll park the tournament now and only play it in November again. A lot will happen between now and then. But we know we have plenty to fix.”

Baltimore could be the final test before settling on a preferred team for the World Cup.

This is reflected in Rassie’s selection, with only two changes from the team that beat New Zealand in Soweto on 5 September, according to South Africa Rugby’s website.

Damian Willemse replaces Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg joins the starting XV.

With Rassie contracted until 2031, he may already be looking ahead to the next World Cup.

The Springboks are the only four-time winners and have a chance to be the first nation to win the trophy three times in a row.