Rugby’s biggest rivalry is coming to Baltimore: 5 things to know

A match between two rugby giants — South Africa’s Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks — is expected to shake M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Thousands of fans from around the world will pour into Baltimore to watch the final match between the two that will decide the outcome of the series of four, currently led by the Springboks. The rivalry dates to 1921, when the Springboks and All Blacks first met in New Zealand, and Saturday’s match will be their 114th against each other.

Lima Sopoaga, a former player with the All Blacks, said “in terms of the history, the aura, the amount of star players that have played at each franchise,” he likened the matchup to the rivalries between the NBA’s Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers and baseball’s New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

“It’s probably like any big college football or NFL game where the noise doesn’t stop,” Sopoaga said. “The people are super excited about their team winning and will cheer their team on to the bitter end.”

Sopoaga said the All Blacks’ former performance coach, Nic Gill, who is the Ravens’ vice president of health and performance, planned to meet up with his former team when it arrived in Baltimore this week. Gill spent nearly two decades helping prepare New Zealand’s players for the international stage. He joined the Ravens this year after a tenure that included two Rugby World Cup titles.

Here’s what you need to know.

🚪Heading to the game? Here’s what time you should arrive.

• Parking lots open at 12:30 p.m.
• Tailgating, including one hosted by Baltimore Chesapeake RFC in Lot H, to start around 12:30 p.m.
• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Match starts at 5 p.m.
• Match will likely wrap up around 7:30 p.m.

🌧️ Expect rain, maybe even storms

Pack a poncho if you’re heading to the game: The National Weather Service says there is a 50% chance of rain throughout Saturday.

There is a chance of rain from 2-5 p.m., which will then turn into a chance of thunderstorms after 5 p.m. If storms turn severe or lightning strikes, stadium officials may tell fans to shelter inside the concourse and delay the game.

After 8 p.m., there will be a higher risk of storms, though the game should be over by then.

It may be wet, but it won’t be a scorcher. Temperatures are likely to hit a high of 83.

🚗 Driving to the stadium? Here are tips.

If you’re driving, you can park at the stadium for a fee or in commercial garages, including Horseshoe Casino garage parking. There are also surface lots north of the stadium complex.

Parking restrictions and residential permit parking rules will be enforced in the nearby neighborhoods. Most street parking in South Baltimore requires a permit.

Vehicles parked illegally — especially in residential permit zones — could be ticketed or towed. If your car gets towed, call 311 or 443-263-2220 for help.

🍺 Rugby parties around Baltimore

• Baltimore Chesapeake RFC will host a watch party upstairs at M8 Beer near the stadium. Doors open at 10 a.m., seating is first come, first served.
• Stingers Rugby Club will host a watch party at Guilford Hall Brewery starting at 4 p.m.
• Gameday Firehouse opens at 12:30 p.m. for a fans pregame.
• A tailgate starting at 6 p.m. and an after-party at 7:30 p.m. are also planned at Pier 6 Pavilion. Shuttles to the game and back to the venue are available to ticket holders.
• The Baltimore Flamingos RFC will host an after-party at Club Car in Station North.
• For those of you who change your mind, tickets for the game are available.
• But, if you’d rather stay home and watch, tune in to RugbyPass TV. You can stream the match free when you open an account.

🚧 Keep an eye out for road closures

Baltimore’s Department of Transportation told fans to allow for extra travel time because of the large crowds expected.

Some roads will be closed and detours will be in place from noon Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday.

Among the changes:

• The northbound Russell Street service drive alongside M&T Bank Stadium will be closed between West and Hamburg streets prior to and during the event.
• The Hamburg Street Bridge will be temporarily closed between Leadenhall and Paca streets for event ingress. Once the event begins, the closures will be removed until just before it ends.
• The Ostend Street Bridge will be temporarily closed between Sharp and Warner streets for event ingress. Once the event begins, the closures will be removed until just before it ends.
• A special traffic pattern will be temporarily installed along Warner Street between the Ostend Street Bridge and Stockholm Street for event ingress and railroad crossings.
• Special traffic patterns will be installed along Warner Street, Alluvion Street, Worcester Street and Bayard Street for egress near the end of the event.
• Hamburg Street will be closed between Hanover and Charles streets near the end of the event.
• No southbound travel will be permitted along Hanover Street between Henrietta and Hamburg streets near the end of the event. All traffic will be diverted onto Henrietta Street for east or westbound travel.