Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 tour ended at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where the Springboks took the series 3-1, winning All black people 43-28.
The competition was exciting, physical and exhausting. The Springboks led for much of the game, and despite an All Blacks comeback, Rassie Erasmus’ side earned their victory.
Here’s how the All Blacks players rated the fourth and final Test match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
1. Ethan de Groot – 5
Apart from Codie Taylor’s broken foot problem, the All Blacks swagger was strong in the first half. De Groot was pinged for a knee drop before leaving the field in the 49th minute. He had four carries and six tackles.
2. Codie Taylor – 5.5
A mixed date. Two accurate throws to start in Baltimore, before throwing in an early pass from Roigard. He struggled with a broken leg on several occasions, and was punished by English referee Karl Kickson. Rushing around the paddock, he made eight tackles and ten tackles in the first half. The lineout was less precise than the week before with Asafo Aumu. Off in the 49th.
3. Fletcher Newell – 6.5
He did what few have been able to do on tour, effectively anchoring the All Blacks scrum. He canceled out Ox Nche in the first half and gave the All Blacks some nice footwork on the line. Forced Nche not to fight, winning a penalty in the 40th minute. Fuck the whole front row.
4. Patrick Tuipulotu – 6
Caught offside in the Springboks’ first attack and had a quiet night. Some important ground clearance work and moving bodies, but I’ve missed the batting with the ball in hand on this tour as we’re used to seeing it from the experienced lock.
5. Sam Darry – 6
Done from Morné van den Berg’s dummy, resulting in the Springboks’ second of the night. Part of the All Blacks scrum, which has improved, but the line, for which Darry was the first option, was at 71 per cent in the first 40 minutes from seven tries. Shuts out for 57 minutes with four turnovers and twelve turnovers.
6. Tupou Va’i –
Gifted the Springboks three early, catching Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu around the neck. Great win at the breakdown, even if Mo’unga missed a touch. A complete blank mind late in the game, clinging to a Springbok defender by the arm. Missed five moves in an undisciplined performance.
7. Ethan Blackadder – 8.5
Absolutely everywhere in Baltimore, and the best among the All Blacks. As usual, Blackadder worked tirelessly on defense. His joyous first half ended with an imprecise decision at the breakdown. All Blacks’ high-teck’s at the break, with eight hauls. Not only was his defensive work strong, but his clearances when the All Blacks were on the attack were excellent. He picked up the ball close to the line, crossing to get the All Blacks back into the contest. One mistake late, but Blackadder was outstanding in Baltimore. He finished with 21 goals in the game, although Blackadder conceded five. Eleven wears.
8. Peter Lakai – 7.5
Off in the seventh minute for HIA, reinstated in the 18th minute. Lakai had a strong second half, breaking through the Springboks line on two occasions. The Hurricanes The loose forward’s skill set is well-rounded and he becomes a key part of the loose forward trio, no matter what jersey he’s in. He led the All Blacks with 13 carries, despite playing just 69 minutes.
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9. Cam Roigard – 6.5
The first action was a quick kick into the Springboks 22, showing the high tempo of the All Blacks. Great try to assist Taylor, firing past a couple of All Blacks bodies. An accurate shot during the first half that won a lot of territory for his side, but was caught sniping on his own on several occasions. He showed great skill to get the All Blacks down the other end, only to be called for offside in the previous ruck. Off with ten minutes to play.
10. Richie Mountain – 6
The All Blacks’ much-talked-about first-five followed suit, giving Rennie’s side an unspectacular but fine outing, as did Ruben Love. He started the contest with precision, particularly with his passing game, helping the All Blacks get on the front foot with ball in hand under pressure from the South African defenders. Just as the All Blacks eased the pressure on their line, Mo’unga missed a touch. Good start to the second half with a cover shot on Arendse, but otherwise a quiet second 40 minutes.
11. Josh Moorby – 5
When presented with opportunities with the ball in hand, Moorby often crossed and played the high percentage option. He appeared to have fixed the lingering defensive issues from the first Test, but was not tested as much. He was adjudged to have lost McKenzie’s pass out cold, resulting in the winning try for the Springboks. Need more offense and defense.
12. Jordie Barrett – 7
Up there with the best defenders in the world. A clear intention, as if he had done the entire tour, to put the Springboks forwards on the back foot. He came up clutch in the 40th minute to put the All Blacks through at half-time. Limited time with ball in hand, but Barrett can keep his head up after a strong tour.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown – 5
Unconvincing. He forced a turnover on Damian De Allende, clearing the ball before the cross was cleared. Lienert-Brown then missed a crucial tackle when he shot off the line in the lead-up to Allende’s effort. I also had a few bad moments when he lost the ball.
14. Will Jordan – 7
Much improved during the first half compared to last week, where Jordan was effective. Jordan got out of the boot well and often jumped out in attacks. And not for the first time on tour, Jordan came up with an important breakdown in the Springboks’ counter-attack. Jordan was on the receiving end of an All Blacks attack in the 30+ phase late in the first half, pouncing on McKenzie’s short ball.
15. Damian McKenzie – 6.5
He threw a cross into his hand, which Lienert-Brown could not take. Looked lost after the kick-back, dropped the ball after Pieter Steph Du-Toit’s ferocious tackle. Some great moments, attacking with pace and intent, which saw the All Blacks come alive late in the first half with ball in hand. He was moments away from pulling the All Blacks back to within one goal, but Moorby couldn’t pull off his short pass.
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua – 6.5
Added strong defense, along with Numia, highlighted by a one-time break on Du Toit. A strong influence, helping the All Blacks back into the game.
17. Xavier Numia – 6
Great leg attack on Du Toit, free ball.
18. Tyrel Lomax – 6
The scrum was not a problem when Lomax was on the pitch.
19. Josh Lord – N/A
20. Wallace Street – 7
Early on after Lakai’s HIA, passing shots with the ball in hand after his first carry. He re-entered the contest midway through the second half and had some effective moments. Forced one drop when the All Blacks were hot in attack.
21. Kyle Preston – 6
They tried to clear the ball quickly, but the All Blacks sweepers were unable to shake the strong Springboks defenders.
22. Rieko Ioane – 6
He replaced Lienert-Brown in the rest of the half. Slow to clearing in its first action. Great recovery effort from Kurt Lee-Arendse, after he was too committed in defence. Silence in the attack.
23. Beauden Barrett – 6.5
A difficult time to enter the game, when the All Blacks were under their posts. He made one bad decision, throwing a pass on the ground that led to Cameron Hanekom’s late try. He had one chance with the ball in hand, took it, strolled past the post.
