The fourth Test of this year’s blockbuster series between the Springboks and All Blacks looks increasingly likely to be staged in the United States.
According to Rapport, while Croke Park in Dublin and Twickenham in London were initially viewed as leading contenders to host the historic clash, momentum has shifted towards America as administrators explore the commercial and strategic upside of cracking the US market.
The exact venue has yet to be finalised, but a Stateside Test would be seen as a major statement ahead of the 2031 World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA.
Rugby bosses from both nations are understood to be confident that a Springbok–All Blacks showdown would attract a sell-out crowd, regardless of which US venue is ultimately selected.
Both nations have taken Tests to America in the recent past. The Springboks faced Wales at Washington DC’s RFK Stadium in 2018, a match that drew more than 21,000 fans, while the All Blacks played Ireland at Chicago’s Soldier Field last year for the second time, with a crowd of around 60,000.
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The opening three Tests of the series will be played in South Africa – at Ellis Park on 22 August, Cape Town Stadium on 29 August and FNB Stadium in Nasrec on 5 September.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures:
Friday, 7 August: vs Stormers, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday, 11 August: vs Sharks, Kings Park, Durban
Saturday, 15 August: vs Vodacom Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 22 August: vs Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 25 August: vs Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 29 August: vs Springboks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 5 September: vs Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September: vs Springboks (venue to be announced)
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
