Twelve nations. Six fixtures. One race for international supremacy. As the Nations Championship returns for its Northern Series, the Springboks prepare to take on Italy in Turin, while France, Fiji, New Zealand and the world’s leading rugby nations enter a defining weekend of international competition.

International rugby is entering another compelling chapter as the Nations Championship returns this weekend, bringing together 12 of the world’s leading rugby nations in a competition where national pride, sporting legacy and international supremacy are firmly on the line.

Following an action-packed opening series in July, the tournament resumes with its Northern Series, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters that will ultimately determine the inaugural Nations Championship winner. With every result contributing to the final standings, the road to the historic Finals Weekend in London is beginning to take shape.

For South African rugby supporters, however, the spotlight is firmly on the Springboks, who begin their European campaign against Italy in Turin on Saturday, 7 November.

Under the leadership of head coach Rassie Erasmus, South Africa arrives with a formidable reputation and plenty of confidence. The reigning world champions enjoyed an unbeaten Southern Series in July, defeating England, Scotland and Wales before taking on New Zealand in the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. The Springboks ultimately claimed that contest 3–1, further reinforcing their position among the most dominant forces in international rugby.

While a subsequent narrow defeat to Australia in Perth offered a reminder that even the strongest sides are not untouchable, South Africa remains a team with considerable depth, experience and ambition.

Italy will provide the first test of their European campaign. Playing in front of their home supporters, the Azzurri will be determined to challenge the world champions and deliver a performance that signals their intent in the competition. Having lost all three of their July fixtures, Italy has plenty to prove.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be without several familiar faces, including injured lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Cheslin Kolbe. Nevertheless, Erasmus has named an experienced matchday 23, with captain Siya Kolisi leading a powerful starting XV.

The line-up features established Springbok stars Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and Kurt-Lee Arendse. There is also an important return for lock Salmaan Moerat, who makes his first appearance in the green and gold this season following recovery from neck and toe injuries. He partners Ruan Nortje in the second row.

Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will form the halfback combination, while Damian Willemse brings his experience and attacking versatility to fullback.

With France and Ireland still to come in the Northern Series, a winning start in Turin would provide valuable momentum as the Springboks pursue their ambitions in the competition.

France versus Fiji: A clash of contrasting rugby cultures

Beyond the Springboks, Saturday’s meeting between France and Fiji in Lyon promises another fascinating encounter.

France enters the Northern Series following a strong finish to its July campaign, recording victories over Australia and Japan after a narrow defeat to New Zealand. Playing at home, Les Bleus will be looking to build on that momentum and establish themselves as serious contenders for the inaugural title.

Led by captain Antoine Dupont and featuring the electrifying Louis Bielle-Biarrey, France has the individual brilliance and collective experience to make a significant impact. However, injuries have forced head coach Fabien Galthié to make adjustments to his squad.

Fiji will present a very different challenge. Known for their expressive, expansive style of rugby and exceptional individual talent, the Flying Fijians have the ability to disrupt even the most organised defensive structures.

Their recent 34–28 victory over Japan in Tokyo offered a timely reminder of their attacking potential. Although their July campaign proved difficult, Fiji will arrive in France with an opportunity to produce one of the weekend’s biggest upsets.

For France, it is a chance to make a statement on home soil. For Fiji, it is an opportunity to challenge one of the Northern Hemisphere’s rugby heavyweights. Either way, the encounter promises to be one of the weekend’s most compelling fixtures.

Six fixtures, 12 nations and a global rugby spectacle

The weekend’s action begins on Friday, 6 November, when Ireland welcome Argentina to Dublin.

The Pumas will be looking to rediscover the competitive form they demonstrated during the Southern Series, while Ireland will be eager to use home advantage to establish early momentum in their November campaign.

Saturday brings another heavyweight contest as Scotland host New Zealand in Edinburgh. The All Blacks arrive following an impressive run of results in the Southern Series and their recent battles against South Africa and Australia. Scotland, meanwhile, will be looking to turn home advantage into a statement performance against one of international rugby’s most formidable teams.

In Cardiff, Wales face Japan in a fixture that carries significance for both nations. Japan will take confidence from their July victory over Italy, while Wales will be determined to respond in front of their home supporters.

Sunday’s final encounter sees England host Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The Wallabies have shown encouraging signs of improvement, highlighted by their victory over the Springboks in Perth. England, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their response following July’s defeat to South Africa.

The bigger picture: The road to the Nations Championship Finals

What makes the Nations Championship particularly compelling is its format and the significance attached to every fixture.

Featuring six rounds of competition, the tournament brings together six Northern Hemisphere nations and six Southern Hemisphere nations, with results determining the final rankings within each group.

Those rankings will determine the match-ups for the inaugural Finals Weekend, taking place at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in London from 27 to 29 November 2026.

All 12 nations will converge in London for six matches across three days. The sixth-ranked teams will meet first, followed by the fifth-ranked sides and progressively higher-ranked teams, culminating in a Grand Final between the top-ranked Northern and Southern Hemisphere nations.

The final encounter will determine the inaugural Nations Championship winner, while the weekend will also settle the broader contest for Northern versus Southern Hemisphere bragging rights.

It is a format that gives international rugby an additional competitive dimension. Every result matters, every performance has consequences, and the margin for error becomes increasingly narrow as the tournament progresses.

SuperSport brings the Nations Championship closer to home

For South African supporters, the return of the Nations Championship means another opportunity to follow the Springboks as they take on the world’s best.

SuperSport will broadcast every match of the competition, bringing the action to DStv audiences and ensuring fans can follow the tournament from the opening encounter in Dublin to the final showdown in London.

Beyond the broadcast experience, SuperSport is also rewarding its loyal DStv subscribers, including customers who have reconnected their services, with opportunities to experience international rugby in person.

Following a special lucky draw, selected supporters have been awarded all-expenses-paid trips to France and England to watch the Springboks live during the Nations Championship. It is an opportunity to take their support beyond the screen and experience the atmosphere of international rugby from the stands.

As the competition enters its decisive Northern Series, the stakes are rising. The Springboks have a title to pursue, their rivals have ambitions of their own, and the prospect of a historic Finals Weekend adds another layer of anticipation.

For South Africa, the journey starts in Turin. For the rest of the rugby world, the message is clear: the battle for international supremacy is far from over.

The Nations Championship is back. And every moment is live on SuperSport.

The Weekend’s Nations Championship Fixtures

All kick-off times are South African Standard Time (SAST).

Friday, 6 November 2026

• Ireland v Argentina — 22:10

Saturday, 7 November 2026

• Italy v South Africa — 13:40
• Scotland v New Zealand — 16:10
• Wales v Japan — 18:40
• France v Fiji — 22:10

Sunday, 8 November 2026

• England v Australia — 17:10