Both SA Rugby and NZ Rugby are set to benefit financially from the fourth Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series Test match held in Baltimore. The game, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to generate significant revenue for both unions.
According to reports, each union will earn R90-million more from the match at the M&T Bank Stadium than they would have if the game had been played in South Africa. The first three Tests of the series, which took place in Johannesburg and Cape Town, reportedly generated between R60-million and R80-million each.
Ticket prices for the Baltimore Test varied, with upper-tier seats ranging from $112 to $145 (R1,792 to R2,320). Lower bowl tickets were priced between $191 and $450 (R3,050 to R7,200), while VIP hospitality and suites reached up to $1,792 (R28,672).
Financial Strategy and Market Growth
The financial gain from the Baltimore match is understood to include a contribution from World Rugby. This initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage leading rugby nations to play Test matches in the USA, particularly as the country prepares to host the 2031 World Cup.
TEG, an Australian-based events and touring company, secured the deal to host the match at M&T Bank Stadium. This move aligns with SA Rugby’s strategic goals to expand its brand and secure financial stability.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer highlighted the financial motivations behind taking the fourth Test abroad. He stated that the primary goal was to maximize financial gain, emphasizing the importance of continuous efforts towards financial stability for SA Rugby.
Oberholzer noted the strong support the team receives in London but stressed that the USA is a crucial market for growth as the organization looks towards 2031. He also explained that generating additional revenue in 2026 is particularly important due to the challenges both unions face in 2027, which is a World Cup year.
In 2027, South Africa will only host three international fixtures, which impacts sponsorship and broadcast rights. Oberholzer indicated the necessity of maximizing earnings from the 2026 season and this series to create a financial buffer for both South Africa and New Zealand heading into 2027.
Match Details and Team Preparations
The upcoming match marks the first rugby game ever held at M&T Bank Stadium, which features natural Bermuda grass and is at sea level. This contrasts with two of the previous three Tests played on the Highveld. It will also be the Springboks’ first Test in the United States since 2018, when Rassie Erasmus experienced his initial loss as coach against Wales in Washington.
New Zealand’s coach, Dave Rennie, has made nine changes to his squad, some due to injuries. Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson, and Quinn Tupaea have returned home due to injuries. Codie Taylor, who was not selected for the Soweto match, returns as captain and will be part of an entirely new front row alongside Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell.
Other changes for New Zealand include Patrick Tuipulotu joining the second row with Sam Darry, Tupou Vaa’i moving to blindside, Ethan Blackadder starting at openside, and Peter Lakai shifting to number eight. Anton Lienert-Brown will play at 13, and Josh Moorby comes in on the left wing for Leroy Carter. Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane are on the bench, set to earn their first international caps under Rennie.
Erasmus has made minimal changes to the Springboks’ side. Damian Willemse returns at full-back, replacing Cheslin Kolbe, who sustained a jaw injury in Soweto. Morne van den Berg has been promoted from the bench, with Cobus Reinach moving to the 22 jersey. The rest of the squad remains largely the same as the one that won last weekend.
Eben Etzebeth is set to extend his Springbok record to 146 caps. Additionally, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese will make their 19th Test start together, setting a new record for a Springbok loose trio.
Richie Mo’unga will play his first Test since the 2023 World Cup final, starting at fly-half for New Zealand. Rennie indicated that Mo’unga would have played in Baltimore regardless of the series’ status. He also commented on the decision to trust Ruben Love in previous significant Tests, highlighting the team’s view of his potential.
Etzebeth dismissed suggestions that the Springboks are not taking the match in America seriously, stating that playing a four-Test series against New Zealand is the ultimate challenge for any rugby player. He emphasized the team’s focus on the players and the challenge presented by every All Blacks team.
The series currently stands at 2-1 in favor of South Africa, meaning they cannot lose the series. A win in Baltimore would secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy outright for South Africa, while a New Zealand victory would level the series at two matches apiece.
The match will feature an evening kick-off in late-summer Baltimore, bringing potential humidity and the chance of a storm, which could affect ball handling. This will be New Zealand’s eighth match in seven weeks, with nine members of their touring party having already returned home.
Erasmus noted that Willemse would have started in Soweto if not for a hamstring niggle, and Van den Berg’s impact off the bench earned him a starting spot. He also acknowledged the resilience of the New Zealand side, which demonstrated in Soweto that they compete until the final whistle.
The game will also see Codie Taylor captaining New Zealand after being dropped a week prior, with his lineout throwing being a key area of focus. Morne van den Berg, making his first start in the series, is expected to provide faster ball for the Springboks’ attack against a newly formed defensive line.
Source: sarugbymag.co.za
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