All Blacks-Springboks: Several Changes Expected Ahead of the Decisive Test in Baltimore

The All Blacks are preparing several changes for the fourth and final test of their series against the Springboks, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Baltimore, United States. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie indicated on Tuesday that he plans to reshuffle his team as South Africa leads the series 2-1.

New Zealand must notably cope with several significant absences. Captain Ardie Savea has returned home following a shoulder dislocation, while Luke Jacobson is suffering from an elbow injury. Quinn Tupaea is also unavailable due to ligament damage in the knee.

These packages require the staff to review several combinations before the Baltimore meeting. Fly-half Richie Mo’unga, recalled to the squad as reinforcement following injuries, is among the options being considered, but the final lineup is to be announced on Thursday.

The Springboks approach this final match with the advantage after their 29-24 victory in the third test. South Africa has already announced two changes in its starting XV in an attempt to close out the series, while the All Blacks are looking to even the score at 2-2.

The series had, however, started in New Zealand’s favor. The All Blacks had won the first test 33-16 in Johannesburg, before the Springboks reversed the momentum over the course of the following matches.

A fourth historic test in the United States

The Baltimore match constitutes the fourth and final stage of the series called “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.” The New Zealand federation presents this encounter in the United States as a historic event in the long-standing rivalry between the two most decorated nations in world rugby.

For Dave Rennie, the goal is now to regain greater precision and control in key moments. The All Blacks missed several opportunities during the third test and will also have to manage a reshuffled squad against a South African team that relies on its strength in the set-piece phases.

The New Zealand lineup expected on Thursday will allow for an assessment of the extent of the announced changes. A victory in Baltimore would give the All Blacks a series draw, while another win for the Springboks would give them a final 3-1 advantage.