At last we come to the end of an epic series.
Six weeks ago the New Zealand All Blacks arrived in South Africa with a point to prove and a dynasty to topple.
They got things going with a 38-31 win over the Stormers of Cape Town before sweeping the Sharks of Durban 54-0 in the rain, where the All Black legend Ma’a Nonu performed a solo Haka against his former team.
Another tune-up win over the Bulls from Pretoria – a 50-19 drubbing – proved their readiness. Could they handle the double world champion Springboks on their own patch?
They answered emphatically with a stunning attacking display in Johannesburg, scoring three second-half tries in a 33-16 triumph.
Would Rassie Erasmus come up with a riposte? You bet. After a build-up that included some heated words exchanged from both camps, the Springboks roared back to win 33-26 in Cape Town. Though a close shave before kick-off stole most of the post-match headlines.
With the series squared at 1-1, there was a lot riding on the Test in Soweto. New Zealand had the better start but the Boks’ extra heft proved the difference. The 29-24 scoreline did not reflect the home team’s dominance.
This Test in Baltimore, USA, is officially the series decider. A win for New Zealand would see the trophy split in two, with both teams taking a half each. Some pundits and fans have suggested that this is little more than a money-spinner, that the real series has already been wrapped up.
But this remains a contest between the two best teams in the sport. They could play on the far side of Uranus and they would still want to tear lumps out of each other.
This is indeed rugby’s greatest rivalry and the on-field action has lived up to the billing. Once more, then, the old enemies meet – this time beneath the Baltimore lights, with South Africa seeking to finish the job and New Zealand fighting to salvage a share of the spoils.
The stage is set. Let’s get this show on the road.
Kick-off at 10pm BST/5pm in Baltimore.
Teams and further updates to come.