South Africa and New Zealand are competing in a rugby union Test match at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Key facts
- •The match is being held at M&T Bank Stadium, a 71,000-capacity venue in Baltimore.
- •South Africa and New Zealand are splitting the tour revenue on a 50-50 basis.
- •Codie Taylor is serving as the New Zealand Test captain for the first time.
- •Damian de Allende and Morne van den Berg scored tries for South Africa in the first half.
- •New Zealand's Will Jordan scored a try following a 32-phase attacking sequence.
South Africa and New Zealand are playing a rugby union Test match at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. The match is being held in the United States as part of efforts by World Rugby to grow the sport ahead of the 2031 World Cup. The event is expected to generate significant revenue, with reports suggesting it could earn up to $8 million more than if the game were held in South Africa.
By the numbers
Match Atmosphere and Venue
The match is taking place at the 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium, where a pitch has been laid over the venue's usual playing surface. The crowd appears to be predominantly supporting the Springboks, with a high concentration of South African jerseys visible in the stands. The game began with the national anthems and the Haka, led by New Zealand's first-time Test skipper Codie Taylor.
First Half Action
The first half featured high-intensity play from both teams. New Zealand's Codie Taylor scored the opening try, followed by a successful conversion from McKenzie. South Africa responded with a try from Damian de Allende and a later score from scrum-half Morne van den Berg, who exploited a gap in the defense. Will Jordan also scored for New Zealand, narrowing the gap to three points before halftime.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Sport.
