The Springboks and All Blacks will lock horns for the fourth and final time in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series when they meet at the iconic M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on Saturday night.
With South Africa holding a 2-1 advantage after three bruising encounters on home soil, the Springboks have history within their grasp as they look to finish the series with a 3-1 victory.
For the All Blacks, however, there is no room for error.
New Zealand must win in Baltimore if they are to prevent the Springboks from completing a series triumph and force the contest into a 2-2 draw.
The match, scheduled for 23:00 South African time, will be played in front of an expected crowd of more than 70,000 at the home of the Baltimore Ravens. It will also be the first Test between these two traditional rivals to be played on American soil, adding another historic chapter to one of rugby’s greatest rivalries.
South Africa enter the decisive encounter with considerable confidence after winning the second and third Tests.
The All Blacks won the opening encounter 33-16 at Ellis Park, but the Springboks responded strongly, winning the second Test 33-26 in Cape Town before producing a thrilling 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium last weekend.
That victory gave the Boks the upper hand in the series and ensured that New Zealand can no longer win the four-Test contest.
The third Test was another brutal encounter between the two giants, with both teams scoring four tries. The Springboks eventually prevailed through their physicality, composure and ability to capitalise on key moments.
But South Africa will not have everything going their way in Baltimore.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has been forced to make changes, including dealing with the absence of experienced wing Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a broken jaw in the third Test. The Springboks have nevertheless retained the core of the team that delivered victory in Johannesburg.
Captain Siya Kolisi will once again lead the Boks, with the South Africans expected to rely heavily on their physical approach, powerful forwards and ability to dominate the gain line.
Kolisi has made it clear that the Springboks are not travelling to the United States to protect their 2-1 advantage.
They want the win.
New Zealand, meanwhile, arrive in Baltimore desperate to keep their hopes of avoiding a series defeat alive.
The All Blacks have suffered several setbacks, including the loss of captain Ardie Savea, who injured his shoulder during the third Test. They will also be without other key players as coach Dave Rennie reshapes his side for what amounts to a must-win encounter.
The return of flyhalf Richie Mo’unga adds another dimension to the All Blacks’ attack, with New Zealand expected to bring their traditional speed, expansive running rugby and attacking creativity to the contest.
But discipline will be another major area of concern for the visitors.
New Zealand conceded 12 penalties in the third Test, including a penalty try, while Ruben Love was yellow-carded at a crucial stage of the match. The All Blacks know they cannot afford to hand the Springboks easy opportunities again.
For the Springboks, the equation is simple: win and they lift the series 3-1.
For the All Blacks, it is equally straightforward: win or settle for a 2-2 draw.
The Baltimore showdown therefore carries far more than four points or another Test victory.
It is about pride, history and bragging rights between two of the most decorated nations in international rugby.
South Africa are chasing a series victory that would underline their growing dominance over their oldest rivals, while New Zealand are fighting to prevent the Boks from putting the final stamp on a tour that has already swung dramatically in South Africa’s favour.
With the series delicately poised at 2-1, the stage is set.