Eben Etzebeth relishing brutal All Blacks finale in Baltimore

South Africa hold a 2-1 advantage after victories in Cape Town and Soweto, following their opening defeat at Ellis Park, and the Boks can secure the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy outright with victory at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday. 

Etzebeth says the repeated meetings have made preparation more straightforward, although the intensity of the contests has taken its toll.

"It is brutal, but it's also a massive privilege to play against the All Blacks four weekends in a row. In terms of preparation, it was tough for the first test match but now there has been less preparation every week because we know them well and we expect one or two tweaks to be made."

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Back-to-back wins have put the Springboks in the driving seat, but the All Blacks have remained competitive throughout the series and will need a victory in Baltimore to force the contest into a 2-all draw. 

Etzebeth was reluctant to compare Dave Rennie’s current side with previous All Black teams, instead choosing to focus on the challenge presented by every New Zealand side he has faced.

The Baltimore Test also represents an important opportunity to showcase rugby in the United States, which will host the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031. 

Etzebeth says playing such a high-profile fixture in America is a special experience and hopes the occasion will leave a lasting impression on the local audience, while also allowing South African supporters in the stadium to enjoy the occasion.

"I know the All Blacks have played here a few times, but it's my first time in America and with the World Cup taking place in America in 2031, you can definitely see that they are trying to build the game.

"This test match is a great start for that goal, and I'm sure a lot of South Africans will watch the game here, but I think the Americans will also enjoy what they're watching."

Etzebeth is set to extend his record as South Africa’s most-capped player when he starts in Baltimore, taking his tally to 146 Tests. 

The veteran lock says his time away from the game through injury and suspension was frustrating.

Saturday’s fourth and final Test kicks off at 23:00 South African time.