All Blacks v Springboks: What you need to know

All Blacks v Springboks: What you need to know
September 12, 2026

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All Blacks v Springboks: What you need to know

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The All Blacks meet the Springboks in Baltimore this weekend in a series decider that will settle Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry for 2026, with South Africa leading 2-1 heading into the fourth and final Test.

It’s the first time these two sides have ever played each other on American soil, with M&T Bank Stadium — home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens — hosting the historic occasion.

The All Blacks won the first Test 33-16 in Johannesburg, before South Africa hit back with a 33-26 win in Cape Town and sealed a 2-1 series lead with victory in Soweto last weekend.

Head coach Dave Rennie has named his most experienced side of the tour, bringing back Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane and Patrick Tuipulotu in search of a spark.

“We have everything to play for on Saturday,” Rennie said.

“It is our chance to draw the series and end the tour with a performance to be proud of.”

Mo’unga starts at first-five for the first time since the World Cup final defeat in Paris three years ago, returning from three seasons in Japan. He replaces Ruben Love, who had started all six previous Tests this year.

Patrick Tuipulotu adds size to the second row alongside Sam Darry, while Anton Lienert-Brown steps into the midfield for the injured Quinn Tupaea. Rieko Ioane and Beauden Barrett both come onto the bench for their first game of the tour.

Codie Taylor is back at hooker after being rested last week and will captain the side, with regular skipper Ardie Savea out injured. Ethan de Groot also returns up front following a concussion. Fletcher Newell starts at tighthead, with Tyrel Lomax on the bench.

Team lists

All Blacks

1. Ethan de Groot (44), 2. Codie Taylor (111) – captain, 3. Fletcher Newell (40), 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (58), 5. Sam Darry (11), 6. Tupou Vaa’i (50), 7. Ethan Blackadder (14), 8. Peter Lakai (13), 9. Cam Roigard (23), 10. Richie Mo’unga (56), 11. Josh Moorby (4), 12. Jordie Barrett (84), 13. Anton Lienert-Brown (93), 14. Will Jordan (60), 15. Damian McKenzie (80).

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (25), 17. Xavier Numia (4), 18. Tyrel Lomax (54), 19. Josh Lord (16), 20. Wallace Sititi (22), 21. Kyle Preston (4), 22. Rieko Ioane (88), 23. Beauden Barrett (144).

1. Ox Nche (51 ), 2. Malcolm Marx (92), 3. Wilco Louw (34), 4. Eben Etzebeth (145), 5. Ruan Nortje (23), 6. Siya Kolisi (106) – captain, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (101), 8. Jasper Wiese (48), 9. Morne van den Berg (9), 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (23), 11. Ethan Hooker (12), 12. Damian de Allende (102), 13. Jesse Kriel (93), 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse (34), 15. Damian Willemse (54).

Reserves: 16. Deon Fourie (15), 17. Gerhard Steenekamp (22), 18. Thomas du Toit (36), 19. Lood de Jager (76), 20. Andre Esterhuizen (34), 21. Cameron Hanekom (5), 22. Cobus Reinach (56), 23. Manie Libbok (33).

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