Five match-up factors that could decide the final Springboks v All Blacks Test in Baltimore

What’s at stake

According to The Citizen, the Springboks lead the series 2-1 and cannot lose it, while the All Blacks must win the fourth Test to draw the series. The match will be the decider in the four-Test encounter.

Neutral ground

According to The Citizen, the M&T Bank Stadium is unknown territory for both sides. It is the first time a rugby match is being staged at the venue, which has a 70,000 capacity. That shared unfamiliarity means adaptation to the playing surface and the atmosphere could be decisive.

Final‑match pressure

According to The Citizen, pressure will be a major factor. The Springboks will face the expectation of closing out the series, while the All Blacks need a win to level the four-Test contest. How each team handles that pressure could shape the result.

Contrasting game plans

According to The Citizen, the teams have used different styles during the series: the Springboks emphasised scrums and set-pieces, while the All Blacks relied more on their backs. Both approaches have worked at times, and whether either side adjusts its plan for the final Test will be important.

Scrums the ongoing talking point

According to The Citizen, scrums have been the biggest talking point of the series and will again be pivotal in Baltimore. The Citizen notes that each referee in the series so far Matthew Carly, Angus Gardner and Nika Amushukeli has “blown the scrum differently,” leaving uncertainty over how referee Karl Dickson will adjudicate this weekend.

Fatigue and availability

According to The Citizen, fatigue is likely to play a major role: some players have featured in all three previous Tests, and some have played the full 80 minutes in those games. The physical and mental toll of the series, plus the trip to the USA and time‑zone changes, means the team with the most energy left could have the edge.

What to watch

The fourth Test will bring those five factors together neutral venue, match pressure, contrasting game plans, the scrum battle, and fatigue and, according to The Citizen, they will be key in deciding who wins the final match of the series.