The Springboks are eyeing a series win over the All Blacks. Image: X/@Springboks
As part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and All Blacks, the fourth Test will interestingly take place at a neutral venue in Baltimore, USA, this Saturday.
The Test at the M&T Bank Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, will see the Springboks return to the USA for only the third time this millennium.
Taking this Test match stateside was naturally recognised, at least in part, as a commercial move that would serve as a big money maker for both national rugby bodies.
Some reports suggested projected revenue from the Baltimore Test to generate between R80-million and R100-million, making it the highest-grossing single fixture of the tour.
SARU leadership noted earlier in the campaign that sales significantly exceeded internal projections for a US venue, although the 71,000-seater certainly won’t be sold out.
Taking a look at ticket sales at the start of the week, there are still hundreds of tickets still available, with prices ranging from $127 (R2,000) all the way up to $1,284 (R20,480). However, various parts of the stadium are sold out, and it does seem that there could be a very decent crowd in attendance.
SPRINGBOKS EXPECTED TO HAVE PLENTY OF SUPPORT IN BALTIMORE
The 71,000 capacity M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, has established itself as one of the premier sporting venues in North America.
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin stated: “Partnering with unions to bring world class content to key US cities is at the heart of the sport’s strategy to grow the market on the road to hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the US in 2031 and 33.
“There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand v South Africa, and to be able to showcase the best of our sport in Baltimore, one of 27 super engaged cities and regions in the Rugby World Cup hosting process, is an exciting prospect, inspiring more sports fans in the US to fall in love with rugby.”
Special occasion to look forward to
The fourth Test takes place at M&T Stadium in Baltimore, USA, on Saturday (kick off at 23:00 SA time), live on SuperSport.
South Africa have a 2-1 lead in the RGR series after claiming a good win at FNB Stadium on Saturday, but Rassie Erasmus said the team wasn’t getting ahead of themselves.
“I think the scoreboard at the end showed how close the game was. We’re just happy we won.
“Now we’re on the same flight and now we must try and go replicate that in Baltimore. They were definitely on top (in the first half). All of us I think envy the way they can handle the ball and they’re certainly brilliant at that. Luckily we went in level at halftime which gives you some hope.
“I’m not sure what my heart rate was but we were certainly nervous. And I think they were nervous.
“It’s massive, this is. You’re playing number one and two in the world and it switches one week to the next and it certainly lives up to that (hype), and I can tell you now, we’re not sitting here thinking we are flipping awesome. We’re thinking there was also a lot of luck that that went our way.”