From The Banner · Banner Staff · · 1m 20s
Springboks vs All Blacks land in Baltimore
Rugby's two biggest names meet at M&T Bank Stadium, a fixture that almost never happens on American soil.
In brief
Rugby's two biggest names meet at M&T Bank Stadium, a fixture that almost never happens on American soil. The sport's most decorated rivalry is playing a rare match in the US, and Baltimore got it. Originally reported by The Banner.
Rugby's biggest rivalry, in Baltimore
South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks meet Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium. Two of international rugby's most successful sides, in one city.
A rare match on US soil
These teams almost never play in America. Fixtures like this usually live in Johannesburg, Auckland or Cape Town, not a Baltimore football stadium.
“a rare matchup on American soil”
Fans flew in for it
Supporters travelled from around the world to be there. The draw is the matchup itself, not the venue, and Baltimore is the one hosting it.
The Haka comes first
New Zealand open with the Haka, the pre-match challenge they perform before every test. It is the moment most first-time viewers remember.
An NFL stadium, retooled
M&T Bank Stadium normally hosts the Ravens. For one Saturday it becomes a rugby ground, with a crowd that has flown in for 80 minutes of it.
Follow it live
The Banner is running a live blog from inside the stadium with fan reactions, photos, video and match updates as they happen.
The key point
The sport's most decorated rivalry is playing a rare match in the US, and Baltimore got it.
