South Africa seal series win over New Zealand in Baltimore

South Africa completed a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand after their physical power and consistency proved decisive in the fourth Test held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA. The world champions managed to hold off a spirited challenge from the All Blacks to wrap up a compelling overseas series.

The match was played in front of a near-capacity crowd of 68,173, setting a new record for the largest-ever attendance at a rugby match in the United States. New Zealand started brightly, opening the scoring just eight minutes in when hooker Codie Taylor crossed the line following a slick attacking move that caught South Africa's defence off guard.

However, the Springboks' forward dominance soon took over the game. Damian de Allende burrowed over from close range, followed by scrum-half Morne van den Berg who dummy-passed his way past Sam Darry to establish a 17-7 lead. New Zealand responded before half-time when Will Jordan scored after an exhausting 32-phase build-up, cutting the deficit to just four points at the break.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

In the second half, South Africa pulled away through tries from Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Although Ethan Blackadder narrowed the gap to eight points late in the game, Cameron Hanekom pounced on a loose ball to secure the result, rendering Beauden Barrett's late try nothing more than a consolation.

Source: BBC Sport