The captains of South Africa and New Zealand stepped onto the field on Saturday with a clear mission: to spark American interest in rugby ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which the United States is slated to host. The match, billed as the final installment of the "Greatest Rivalry" series, took place at the massive M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, and attracted a staggering 68,173 spectators—an all‑time high for a rugby international on American soil.
From the first whistle, the atmosphere was electric. The sea of fans in the stands was dominated by the vivid green of the Springboks, interspersed with the iconic black of the All Blacks and a sizable contingent of neutral onlookers curious about the sport. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting a growing curiosity about rugby among U.S.
sports fans who are traditionally devoted to football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. On the field, the Springboks delivered a thrilling performance, ultimately defeating the All Blacks 43‑28 and sealing a 3‑1 series win.
The game was a showcase of high‑tempo running, powerful forward play, and dazzling backline moves that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. For many in the audience, it was a first‑hand glimpse of why rugby enjoys a passionate following in countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Rugby administrators have long sought a foothold in the lucrative U.S. market, and Saturday’s turnout suggested that the sport may finally be gaining traction. The sheer size of the crowd—nearly 70,000 people—demonstrated that there is a sizable audience willing to attend a live rugby event when presented with the right platform and promotion. After the match, both captains addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of giving American fans more exposure to high‑level rugby.
All Blacks captain Codie Taylor praised the enthusiasm of the U.S. crowd, noting, "It’s great to come over here and see what America has to offer. 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." Springboks captain Siya Kolisi echoed Taylor’s optimism, adding that increased television coverage and strategic partnerships could accelerate the sport’s growth. He suggested that NFL franchises might consider adopting rugby as an offseason activity, potentially investing in 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 said. "I really believe if the NFL teams buy into rugby and become part‑owners in the 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, I think 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." Kolisi also highlighted the need for hard work and sustained investment, acknowledging that building a rugby culture in the United States will not happen overnight.
He pointed to the potential for cross‑sport collaboration, where the athleticism and strategic depth of rugby could complement the skill sets of NFL players during their offseason, providing both a new fan experience and a development pathway for athletes. The match also marked a personal milestone for South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus, who oversaw his 100th test in charge of the Springboks.
Kolisi praised Erasmus for his leadership, saying, "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 action, the event served as a tangible demonstration of rugby’s potential marketability in the United States. The sport’s blend of strategic nuance, physical intensity, and global heritage offers a fresh alternative to the mainstream American sports product. With the 2031 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, organizers are keen to capitalize on this momentum, planning a series of high‑profile matches, community outreach programs, and media partnerships to deepen engagement.
In the weeks following the Baltimore test, rugby officials have announced plans to schedule additional fixtures in major U.S. venues, targeting cities with strong sports cultures and existing infrastructure. They are also exploring collaborations with college athletic departments to introduce rugby at the varsity level, which could create a pipeline of home‑grown talent and further embed the sport in the American sporting landscape. Overall, the record‑breaking attendance at the Springboks‑All Blacks clash not only highlighted the immediate appeal of elite rugby but also underscored the long‑term opportunities for growth in a market that has historically been difficult for the sport to penetrate.
As the United States prepares to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup, the enthusiasm displayed by nearly 70,000 fans in Baltimore offers a promising glimpse of what could become a vibrant new chapter for rugby in America. All games are broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kick‑off times listed for UK and Ireland audiences.