The final installment of the "Greatest Rivalry" series, pitting South Africa against New Zealand, unfolded on a Saturday in front of an almost unprecedented gathering of rugby fans on American soil. The venue was the home stadium of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, and the attendance figure—68,173 spectators—set a new benchmark for any rugby international played in the United States.
This massive turnout was not merely a statistical curiosity; it was a clear signal that American audiences are beginning to take notice of the sport, especially as the nation prepares to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup. From the moment the teams took the field, the atmosphere was electric.
The stands were awash in a sea of green, the signature hue of the Springboks, interspersed with the iconic black of the All Blacks and a scattering of neutral fans who had come simply for the spectacle. The match itself lived up to the hype, delivering a high‑scoring, action‑packed contest that saw South Africa emerge victorious with a 43‑28 win, sealing a 3‑1 series triumph over their long‑time rivals.
Rugby’s quest to break into the lucrative U.S. sports market has been a long‑term project, and Saturday’s event offered a tangible glimpse of what could be possible. The sheer size of the crowd, combined with the enthusiasm displayed throughout the game, suggested that the sport may finally be finding a foothold among American fans who are traditionally devoted to football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. The event also underscored the importance of high‑profile matches in generating interest; a marquee rivalry such as this provides a compelling narrative that can draw casual observers into the sport.
After the final whistle, both captains took the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the occasion. All Blacks skipper Codie Taylor praised the American crowd, noting that the nation’s passion for sport was evident in the way fans embraced rugby. "It’s great to come over here and see what America has to offer," Taylor said. "They love their sports and they got right behind rugby.
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." South African captain Siya Kolisi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for greater exposure and more opportunities for Americans to engage with the game. He suggested that the NFL could play a pivotal role by incorporating rugby into its offseason schedule, perhaps through partnerships or partial ownership of existing American clubs. "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," Kolisi explained.
"But I think it needs a lot of hard work obviously. I really believe if the NFL teams buy into rugby and if they become part‑owners in the rugby clubs and if some of their players who don’t get to play often, if they let them play rugby I think that would help the game a lot. Also I think it's a game that Americans would actually enjoy.
They love physical sports. So I really think the more teams get to come and play here, the more people are invested in the rugby teams." The match also marked a personal milestone for South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, who celebrated his 100th test in charge of the Springboks. Kolisi lauded Erasmus, attributing much of the team’s dominance to his leadership and strategic acumen.
"We've got coach Rassie (Erasmus)," Kolisi said. "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 immediate excitement of the game, the event served as a practical rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup.
Hosting a tournament of that magnitude will require not only world‑class facilities but also a robust fan base willing to travel, attend matches, and engage with the sport on a deeper level. The success of this test match suggests that the United States is making strides toward building that foundation. It also highlights the potential for cross‑sport collaboration; the NFL’s massive platform could be leveraged to broadcast rugby highlights, produce joint marketing campaigns, and even experiment with hybrid rule sets that appeal to both football and rugby enthusiasts.
In the broader context, the growth of rugby in the United States aligns with the sport’s global expansion strategy. World Rugby has identified the American market as a key growth area, and the 2031 World Cup is poised to be a catalyst for increased participation at the youth and amateur levels. Schools and universities are beginning to introduce rugby programs, and local clubs are seeing a rise in membership numbers.
High‑visibility events like the Springboks‑All Blacks test provide the necessary spark to accelerate this momentum. Looking ahead, stakeholders from both the rugby and American football communities are likely to explore deeper partnerships.
Potential initiatives could include joint training camps, player exchange programs, and shared use of stadiums during the NFL’s offseason. Such collaborations would not only broaden the talent pool but also create a cultural bridge that makes rugby more relatable to an American audience accustomed to the spectacle and intensity of football. In summary, the record‑breaking attendance at the Baltimore test match demonstrated that American fans are ready for more rugby. The thrilling contest, the enthusiastic reception from both captains, and the strategic discussions about future collaborations all point toward a promising future for the sport in the United States.
As the 2031 Rugby World Cup approaches, the groundwork laid by events like this will be essential in ensuring that the tournament is not only a logistical success but also a celebration of a sport that is finally finding a home in America. All matches were broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kickoff times listed for the UK and Ireland audiences.