The Springboks clinched the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series with a commanding 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore, running in six tries to four in front of a USA rugby record crowd of more than 68,000. The win sealed a 3-1 series triumph and underlined South Africa's status as back-to-back world champions and the top-ranked side in the game.

Rassie Erasmus used his post-match remarks to reinforce the team's motivation, pointing to supporters both in the stadium and watching from home. "It was awesome to see so many South Africans here; I don't how they afford it or how they got here, but it's great," said Erasmus. "We appreciate the people who were here, but we don't forget the people who were at home; the people in the farm or the boy in the township or the people in the shopping mall. That's what drives us."

Van den Berg seizes his moment

Morne van den Berg, handed the starting scrum-half berth ahead of Cobus Reinach, delivered an assured performance that included his first try against the All Blacks. The score came midway through the first half and stretched the lead during a tightly contested opening period. Van den Berg also made a crucial turnover penalty early in the second half, halting a promising New Zealand attack, and took over goal-kicking duties when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu struggled.

Deon Fourie became the oldest-ever Springbok when he entered the field in the 39th minute at the age of 39. The hooker, returning to international rugby after three years out, has now been selected for three consecutive matches and showed no sign of diminished impact.

Erasmus acknowledged that South Africa's approach sometimes draws criticism but remained unapologetic. "I know we sometimes annoy other people around the world for the way go about things, or the angle we take on issues, but we really care the most about South African people," he said. "We enjoy the other people around the world, and we understand their opinions and love the banter, but there's only one reason for us as a team and for us as a country, it's for South Africa."

Kolisi echoed the sentiment, referencing a lengthy stoppage for referee audio problems that allowed the players to absorb the atmosphere. "The support is really special for us – that's who we do it for; the people who can afford to come here and those who are at home," Kolisi said. "Because there was a long stoppage, we were still in the zone, but my goodness, but in that moment, you get to appreciate the crowd singing and enjoying the environment and hopefully we have made it special for them."

The result extends South Africa's winning streak over New Zealand to three matches and reinforces their position at the top of the world rankings. With the series secured, attention will turn to selection decisions ahead of the next international window and whether Erasmus continues to rotate his squad or settles on a more consistent starting XV.