Springboks win series 3-1 against All Blacks

The Springboks have secured a 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks in the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series, concluding with a 43-28 win in the fourth Test in Baltimore. The series win adds another trophy to South Africa's cabinet, following their back-to-back World Cup titles and a British and Irish Lions series victory. Despite the series triumph, the four-Test contest highlighted several areas for improvement for the coaching staff led by Rassie Erasmus. Analysis of the series points to a need for greater finishing accuracy, as the Springboks scored 14 tries compared to the All Blacks' 17. Defensive lapses, particularly in the wider channels, were also exposed, with New Zealand finding space on the edges of the Springbok defensive line. Lineout consistency, especially when starting hooker Malcolm Marx was not on the field, was another noted area for development. The series provided valuable insights into player form and squad depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu started all four Tests after veteran Handre Pollard was injured in training before the second Test.