By Zuko Komisa

- Top spot in the World Rugby rankings is up for grabs as the Springboks and All Blacks face off in a historic series finale in Baltimore.
- South Africa lead the thrilling Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 2-1 following a narrow victory in Soweto last weekend.
- Victory for Dave Rennie’s All Blacks would see them reclaim the number one ranking and split the magnetized Rivalry Trophy.
For generations, the fierce battle between the Springboks and the All Blacks has represented the pinnacle of world rugby.
Now, that storied rivalry travels across the Atlantic to American soil, where a packed stadium in Baltimore will witness the ultimate high-stakes showdown: a direct fight for the world’s top ranking.
The four-match series has delivered non-stop drama, with the world number one spot changing hands as the two giants trade blows.
New Zealand drew first blood with an opening triumph at Ellis Park to take the summit, only for South Africa to hit back in Cape Town and build a 2-1 lead with a heart-stopping win in Soweto.
For the All Blacks, the American fixture offers a chance at redemption. Victory by any margin will propel New Zealand back to the top of the global standings and ensure they share the unique, magnetic Rivalry Trophy.
However, should the world champion Springboks prevail, they will solidify their position at the peak of the sport with an overwhelming rating points buffer.
Reflecting on the grueling nature of the tour and the camaraderie between the two nations, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus shared a warm moment ahead of the flight to the States:
“Hopefully me and Dave will have a beer his will be a little bit more bitter and mine will be a little sweeter and then on Sunday we get into camp again… It’s the greatest rivalry, and we play to try and win the series, and they will try and draw the series.”