South Africa sealed a 3-1 series triumph over New Zealand after producing another powerful and disciplined performance in the fourth Test at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The Springboks overcame an early challenge from the All Blacks to secure victory and underline their status as the world’s leading rugby side ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand had won the opening encounter in Johannesburg last month, briefly moving to the top of the global rankings and raising hopes of overturning South Africa’s dominance.
However, the reigning world champions responded strongly in the remaining matches, completing the comeback as predicted by their director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus.
The All Blacks began brightly in Maryland, with hooker Codie Taylor crossing in the eighth minute following a rapid passing move that exposed South Africa’s defensive line.
South Africa soon established control through their forwards, with Damian de Allende and Morne van den Berg scoring tries to put the hosts 17-7 ahead.
New Zealand reduced the deficit before the interval when Will Jordan finished a lengthy 32-phase attack, leaving his side four points behind at half-time.
The Springboks then took command after the restart. Malcolm Marx scored from a rolling maul before Pieter-Steph du Toit powered over following another incisive move involving Van den Berg.
New Zealand responded through Ethan Blackadder, but South Africa maintained their composure as fatigue began to affect both teams.
Cameron Hanekom eventually secured the decisive score after collecting loose possession, while Beauden Barrett’s late try could not change the outcome.
The match attracted 68,173 spectators, making it the biggest crowd ever recorded for a rugby fixture in the United States.
The series has provided an important test of both teams ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with South Africa and New Zealand having shared the previous five tournament titles.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong