Baltimore to host Springboks and All Blacks in US World Cup preview
The upcoming match between New Zealand and South Africa at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday is more than just a continuation of their intense rivalry. For World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, the game serves as a significant step towards the 2031 World Cup, which the US is set to host. This journey could potentially include Six Nations games played on American soil.
Gilpin noted that the planning process for the World Cup has involved venues and cities for the past two years, with over 25 cities still engaged. The initial feasibility studies have confirmed that World Cup-standard rugby can be played in these venues, considering factors like natural turf. Submissions are now being gathered from cities, venues, and state sports commissions regarding commercial aspects, economics, and service provision. Tournament windows, availability, and scheduling conflicts with the NFL and MLS are also being considered, alongside weather and team movement logistics.
The weather in Baltimore is expected to be hot and humid, with a chance of thunderstorms. The All Blacks and Springboks shared a flight after their previous game in Soweto, which the Springboks won 29-24. This unusual shared travel highlights the global nature of the sport. The game coincides with the first weekend of the NFL season, but Gilpin pointed out the irony that while World Rugby makes its move in Baltimore, the NFL is playing in rugby territory in Australia.
Preparations for the 2031 World Cup
Gilpin expressed ambition to identify the smaller number of venues that will host matches for the 2031 World Cup during next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. He mentioned that matches for USA Rugby have been held in smaller venues this year, providing valuable insights. However, he emphasized that nothing compares to utilizing the types of venues that would be used for a World Cup.
Baltimore appears to be a suitable location, as M&T Bank Stadium has a natural grass field, eliminating the need for temporary pitches. The city’s proximity to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, which are considered American rugby towns with a strong general sports fan base, makes it easily accessible from Europe. World Rugby has also had to consider potential issues for international fans traveling to the US.
A sell-out crowd of 71,000 would mark a record for rugby attendance in the US. The event aims to gauge the engagement of American rugby fans, including those from high school, college, and club levels. Matt McCarthy of RugbyWrapUp is set to be the stadium announcer. The game will be broadcast on Paramount Plus, with CBS Sports Network providing highlights. Gilpin confirmed that discussions are ongoing to ensure content delivery over the next two years.
Despite next year being a World Cup year, which typically shortens international schedules, Gilpin indicated that major games would return to America. He noted that a full Rugby Championship will be played in a Rugby World Cup year for the first time, presenting opportunities for potential discussions. Gilpin also mentioned the possibility of Six Nations games being held in the US, citing the large Irish and Italian fan bases in cities like Boston or New York as a potential economic driver.
Gilpin acknowledged that there would be a balancing act with fans in home countries who might prefer to see their teams play locally. He also promised that lessons learned from previous large US games, such as the All Blacks’ victory over Ireland in Chicago last November, would be applied to improve the match-day experience and audience engagement.
The Springboks’ Perspective and Series Decider
Eben Etzebeth, a record South African cap holder, described the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks as an “amazing time.” The Springboks, led by Rassie Erasmus, are in the US to conclude a tour that marks their first visit in 30 years. The last time the All Blacks visited South Africa was in 1996 for a tour that included matches against club sides.
The All Blacks’ 2026 visit saw them win against all four United Rugby Championship franchises. However, in the Test series, they initially took a 1-0 lead with a 33-16 victory in Johannesburg on August 22. The Springboks then secured back-to-back wins, triumphing 33-26 in Cape Town and 29-24 in Soweto, giving them a 2-1 series lead with only the Baltimore fixture remaining. South Africa last played in the US in 2018, when they defeated Wales in Washington DC.
Etzebeth, who is set to make his 146th Test appearance, expressed his anticipation for the Stateside finale. This will be his fourth consecutive start in the series and his fifth consecutive Test match appearance, having started his 2026 involvement with a win over Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 8. He emphasized the significance of every Test match against the All Blacks, particularly this decider.
He described the series as “brutal” but also a “massive privilege” to play against the All Blacks four weeks in a row. Etzebeth credited the coaching staff for the team’s ability to recover from an initial deficit, noting that the Springboks have a history of overcoming early setbacks in major competitions. He stated that after losing the first Test match, the team knew they could not afford another loss, increasing the pressure on both players and coaching staff.
When asked about differences in the current All Blacks under Dave Rennie, Etzebeth maintained that every All Black team he has faced has been tough. He also shared his relief at being back on the field after a suspension and an injury, which had kept him out of the July section of the Nations Championship. He used his time off to focus on fitness and improving his skills. Etzebeth noted that this is his first time experiencing rugby in America and is excited for the game in Baltimore, hoping that American fans will enjoy the spectacle.
Developing Rugby in the US
World Rugby is concerned about the state of Major League Rugby, the US men’s league, which now has only five teams. Anthem Rugby Carolina was the latest team to leave the league, having been funded by World Rugby and USA Rugby for three years. Gilpin confirmed that there are continuous conversations regarding MLR, and the improving performance of the Eagles sevens teams and the men’s 15s team, which has won four consecutive games, is seen as beneficial to these discussions.
Sources suggest that a potential sixth team is being considered for MLR, but a repeat of the Anthem experiment is unlikely. The investment in bringing teams like the All Blacks and Springboks to the US is part of a broader strategy that also includes grassroots development in community, college, club, youth, and high school rugby programs.
The final match of the series between the All Blacks and Springboks will take place in Baltimore on Saturday.
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Source: theguardian.com
