The final installment of the "Greatest Rivalry" test series between South Africa and New Zealand took place on a Saturday that will be remembered for more than just the scoreline. Held at the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, the stadium was packed with 68,173 spectators – the biggest crowd ever to watch a rugby international on American soil. The sea of colour in the stands was dominated by South Africa’s green jerseys, punctuated by the black of the All Blacks and a scattering of neutral fans, all gathered to witness a high‑octane contest that ended with the Springboks prevailing 43‑28 and sealing a 3‑1 series win.
For years, rugby administrators have laboured to carve out a niche in the United States, a market saturated with football, basketball, baseball and a growing interest in soccer. The sheer size of the audience at M&T Bank Stadium, coupled with the palpable enthusiasm of those in attendance, suggests that the sport may finally be finding a foothold. Both captains – New Zealand’s Codie Taylor and South Africa’s Siya Kolisi – used the post‑match platform to stress how vital such exposure is for building momentum ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which the United States is slated to host.
Taylor praised the American crowd, noting, “It’s great to be here and see what America has to offer. They love their sports and they got right behind rugby.” He added that the United States already boasts a passionate fan base for its own leagues and that this enthusiasm could translate into a solid foundation for a future World Cup. “America has obviously got some great sports and they’re fanatical about every sport they’re involved in.
It would be great to see US Rugby keep building. Leading into 2031, it’s in a strong place to lay the foundation for what will be an awesome World Cup.” Kolisi echoed the optimism, turning his attention to the potential for cross‑sport collaboration.
He suggested that NFL franchises might consider adopting rugby as an offseason activity, investing in existing American clubs and even allowing fringe football players to try their hand at the game. “I really think Americans would love rugby if they get to see more of it and if it’s shown a whole lot more on TV,” he said.
“But it needs a lot of hard work, obviously. I really believe if NFL teams buy into rugby and become part‑owners of rugby clubs, and if some of their players who don’t get to play often are allowed to play rugby, that would help the game a lot.
Also, it’s a game that Americans would actually enjoy. They love physical sports.
So the more teams that come and play here, the more people are invested in the rugby teams.” The match also marked a personal milestone for Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, who oversaw his 100th test in charge. Kolisi singled out Erasmus as a key factor behind the team’s dominance, stating, “We’ve got coach Rassie.
He knows us and gets us up. When he speaks to us he reminds us where we come from.
The players who are in the group but not playing today, we do it for them, the guys who are injured and also for the people of South Africa who would love to have the opportunities we have.” Beyond the on‑field drama, the event served as a practical demonstration of the logistical capabilities required to host a major rugby tournament in the United States. The stadium’s infrastructure handled the conversion from a football gridiron to a rugby pitch with ease, and the broadcast partnership with Sky Sports ensured that fans in the UK and Ireland could follow the action live. The successful execution of such a large‑scale rugby fixture provides a template for future World Cup matches, showcasing that American venues can meet the sport’s technical standards while delivering a vibrant spectator experience. Looking ahead, rugby officials are likely to leverage this momentum by scheduling more high‑profile internationals in NFL stadiums and other large venues across the country.
Increased television coverage, strategic partnerships with American sports franchises, and grassroots development programs could all contribute to a sustained rise in interest. If the enthusiasm displayed by the 68,000‑strong crowd is any indication, the United States may soon become a significant market for rugby, helping to ensure that the 2031 World Cup is not only a logistical success but also a cultural celebration of the sport on a new continent.