South Africa and New Zealand have been playing each other since 1921, and on Saturday they do it on Russell Street. The fourth and final Test of the 2026 series is at M&T Bank Stadium, the first time this fixture has ever been staged in the United States, and the first rugby match the stadium has hosted. Three Tests were played in South Africa over the past three weeks; the finale was moved to a neutral venue. The Springboks lead the series 2-1. Win, and they take it 3-1; lose, and it ends level at 2-2.
Why It Matters
New Zealand took the opener 33-16 in Johannesburg before South Africa answered with a 33-26 win in Cape Town and a 29-24 win back in Johannesburg. The Boks are ranked No. 1 in the world, the All Blacks No. 2. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie called Saturday "our chance to draw the series and end the tour with a performance to be proud of." English referee Karl Dickson has the whistle.
The Haka
Before kickoff, the All Blacks perform a haka — a Māori ceremonial challenge, not a hype routine. Most often it is "Ka Mate," composed by Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha around 1820; on bigger occasions they use "Kapa o Pango," introduced in 2005. New Zealand teams have done this since the 1800s. The Springboks will stand and face it, arms linked, a few meters away. Stay on your feet, stay quiet, and watch — this is the part visiting Baltimoreans will remember.
Rugby in Two Minutes
Fifteen players a side, 80 minutes, two 40-minute halves and essentially no stoppages. A try, touching the ball down in the in-goal area, is worth five points, with a two-point conversion kick after. Penalty kicks and drop goals are three. The ball cannot be passed forward, only sideways or back, so territory is won by running, kicking and rucking. When play stops for a minor infraction, you get a scrum; when the ball goes out of bounds, a lineout, with a player lifted in the air to catch the throw.
Who to Watch
New Zealand's backline carries the star power: Richie Mo'unga at flyhalf, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie in the back three, Jordie Barrett at center. Hooker Codie Taylor captains the side. South Africa's calling card is the forward pack and its heavy bench — the "Bomb Squad" — which arrives around the hour mark and tends to decide close Tests.
Getting There
Light Rail is the easy answer: the Hamburg Street stop sits beside the stadium, and Camden Yards is a short walk. Driving means I-395 into a crowded downtown, so buy a parking pass ahead of time and expect the Russell Street lots to back up. Gates typically open about two hours before kickoff, and the stadium's clear-bag rule applies — a clear bag up to roughly 12" x 6" x 12", a one-gallon freezer bag, or a small clutch.
Before and After
Federal Hill is the pregame default, with Cross Street Market and the bars along Cross and Light streets a 10-minute walk from the gates. Expect a heavy traveling contingent in green and gold and black; both fan bases treat this as a pilgrimage. Book a table if you want one.
Not going? The match streams free in the U.S. on RugbyPass TV. And if you need football back, the Ravens open their season Sunday at Indianapolis — here's the Week 1 preview.
Match Information
Matchup: South Africa Springboks vs. New Zealand All Blacks (Fourth Test)
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 5:10 p.m. ET
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St., Baltimore
Streaming: RugbyPass TV (free in the U.S.)