Naas Botha Backs Springboks To Beat All Blacks in Baltimore Greatest Rivalry Finale

• Naas Botha, now based in Kansas, shared his predictions for the Springboks ahead of the final Greatest Rivalry test in Baltimore on 12 September
• The former Springbok flyhalf said South Africa dealt the All Blacks a psychological blow in the previous match and warned against underestimating New Zealand
• The Springboks legend relocated to the US earlier this year and now serves as director of rugby at the Kansas City Blues Rugby Club in Missouri

Naas Botha, the former Springbok flyhalf who now lives in the United States, has thrown his support behind South Africa ahead of the final Greatest Rivalry test match against the All Blacks, scheduled for M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, 12 September.

Speaking to EWN, Botha said South Africa enters the decider with a psychological edge after their previous performance in the series. "I would tend to think we do have the upper hand. I think we gave him a psychological blow last weekend. All we need to do is we need to start well," he said. "If we start well, we can actually put them away nicely…it can then turn into the psychological aspect where the opposition feels, oh, here we go again."

Read also

Springboks Pause Training for Poignant 9/11 Tribute in Baltimore

South Africa have won two of the four tests played in the series ahead of the Baltimore finale.

Botha cautions against complacency

Despite his confidence in the Springboks, Botha was careful not to dismiss New Zealand's threat, adding: "I've never seen a bad New Zealand side. I've never seen a bad Springbok side."

Botha relocated to the United States earlier in 2025 to support the sporting ambitions of his soccer-playing daughters. He has since taken up the position of director of rugby at the Kansas City Blues Rugby Club in Missouri.

Before leaving South Africa, he addressed his fellow citizens in a farewell letter, telling Maroela Media:

"South Africa will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We are grateful for the years we were able to live as part of its culture and community. This move is about family and opportunities that lie ahead. We thank everyone for their understanding. We will miss you all."

A career spanning two continents

Read also

Why the Baltimore Test could mean far more than another Springboks vs All Blacks clash

This is not Botha's first experience of life in America. In 1983, he was invited to play American football for the Dallas Cowboys, and later represented the Dallas Harlequins, leading them to the 1984 USA National Club Championships before returning to South Africa.

Botha made his test debut against New Zealand in 1981 at Lancaster Park in Christchurch, going on to earn 28 caps for the Springboks. At provincial level, he made 179 appearances for Northern Transvaal, steering the side to nine Currie Cup titles, and also had a stint with Italian club Rugby Rovigo.

Source: Briefly News