The All Blacks head into the fourth and deciding test of the Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks carrying a heavy injury toll and the weight of a 2-1 series deficit. Captain Ardie Savea, stand-in captain Luke Jacobson, and Quinn Tupaea have all been ruled out after injuries sustained in Soweto, leaving coach Dave Rennie to reshuffle a squad already under pressure.
Despite the setbacks, first-five Beauden Barrett insists the team is closer than the scoreline suggests. Speaking ahead of the Baltimore test, Barrett framed the match as a genuine opportunity to level the series against the back-to-back world champions, not a consolation prize.
Why the All Blacks still believe the series is alive
Barrett was unequivocal when asked whether the Baltimore test, played outside South Africa, might not count toward the series. For him, the Greatest Rivalry series was always a four-game contest, and a draw is still within reach.
“This rivalry series is a four-game series and we've got an opportunity to go two-all against a team who's been well established back-to-back world champions. We've only been together for a little while and we've got a chance to go two-all against them and that's the opportunity that excites us for this weekend.”
The sentiment reflects a broader confidence within the squad under new coach Dave Rennie. Barrett, who has started every test under Rennie, believes the team is trending in the right direction despite the results.
Learning from the best: what three tests against the Boks have taught this squad
Barrett pointed to the fine margins that have defined the series. The first test at Ellis Park ended 33-16, but only after a yellow card swung momentum. The second test was lost by seven points. The third slipped away again. For Barrett, the gap between the sides is smaller than the scoreboard suggests.
“We are not overly pleased to be down 2-1 in the series, but look, we haven't lost all hope in this group and there's a lot of positives to come out of our last three games against the Boks. We're not far away.”
He also acknowledged the unique challenge of playing in South Africa, describing the atmosphere and history as both the toughest and most rewarding environment in test rugby.
“As hard as the last three weeks have been for me, I've absolutely loved it.”
Who will captain the All Blacks in Baltimore?
With Savea and Jacobson sidelined, Rennie will name his squad tomorrow. Barrett is the frontrunner for the captaincy, with Codie Taylor and Patrick Tuipulotu also in the frame. The decision will shape how the All Blacks approach a test that could define the early Rennie era.
What a drawn series would mean for the All Blacks' rebuild
A 2-2 result would be a credible outcome for a side still finding its identity under a new coach, especially against a Springboks team riding the high of back-to-back World Cup titles. Barrett hinted that the real prize lies further ahead, possibly a Rugby World Cup quarter-final rematch.
“I'm confident we're heading in the right direction, that's where we want to go and if we want to go to that place we're probably going to end up playing the South Africans in a quarter-final in a Rugby World Cup.”
All Blacks vs Springboks: what to watch for in Baltimore
The Springboks have made just two backline changes from the side that won the third test, signalling continuity and intent. The All Blacks, by contrast, will field a patched-up lineup. The key battles will be at the breakdown, where South Africa has dominated, and in the aerial contest, where the Boks have found consistent success.
For New Zealand fans, this test is about more than the result. It is a measure of how far this group has come in a month, and whether the promise of the Rennie era can translate into a statement win on foreign soil.
Frequently asked questions about the fourth test
Is the Baltimore test part of the official series?
Yes. Barrett confirmed the Greatest Rivalry series was always scheduled as a four-game series, and the result in Baltimore will determine whether it ends 2-2 or 3-1.
Who is captaining the All Blacks in the fourth test?
Beauden Barrett is the leading candidate after Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson were ruled out through injury. Codie Taylor and Patrick Tuipulotu are also in contention.
What has been the biggest challenge for the All Blacks in this series?
Barrett cited the physicality and tactical discipline of the Springboks, particularly in the opening hour of matches, as the key challenge. He also noted the difficulty of playing in South African conditions.