Nations Championship set for blockbuster opening weekend across two hemispheres

Across more than 12 hours of uninterrupted international rugby, the opening round stretches from Christchurch in New Zealand all the way to Córdoba in Argentina, stitching together a global spectacle that lives up to its “North vs South” billing.

The Nations Championship finally gets underway this weekend, and we’re in for a treat with six epic clashes.

The format is simple in theory but ambitious in scale with six ‘Six Nations’ sides facing six southern hemisphere heavyweights across six rounds. England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy go head-to-head with New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Fiji in a straight hemispheres showdown.

New Zealand vs France

There is a fresh look to the All Blacks as Dave Rennie takes charge of his first selection, and he has opted for a bold reshuffle to start the new era.

Ruben Love is handed the keys at fly-half, a significant show of trust in a high-stakes opener, with Damian McKenzie moved to fullback and Beauden Barrett left out of the matchday squad entirely. It is a clear signal that Rennie is willing to experiment early.

Outside him, the backline has a distinctly fluid feel. Will Jordan shifts to the left wing with Caleb Clarke on the right, while Cam Roigard forms a new half-back pairing with Love. In midfield, Jordie Barrett teams up with Quinn Tupaea, a combination that blends physicality with strike threat.

The pack retains a familiar edge of power and athleticism, led by Ardie Savea at number eight. Luke Jacobson and Peter Lakai complete the loose forward trio, while Codie Taylor reaches a major milestone with his 107th Test appearance.

There is also a notable injection of new blood, with Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo both rewarded for standout domestic seasons.

France will see Max Spring return to the international stage at fullback after a long absence, while Damian Penaud is back in the fold after being left out of the Six Nations squad. Théo Attissogbé continues on the wing, giving France pace on both edges.

The midfield pairing of Yoram Moefana and Fabien Brau-Boirie brings a blend of physical power and unpredictability, with Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lucu continuing their club partnership at half-back.

There is a youthful feel to the pack, with Pierre Bochaton, Oscar Jégou and Marko Gazzotti forming the back row. Tom Staniforth makes his debut in the second row after impressing at England A level, alongside Hugo Auradou, while Jefferson Poirot returns after a long international absence.

Japan vs Italy

Japan arrive having edged a tight contest against Georgia in the autumn, a match defined less by tries and more by precision from the tee. Seung-Sin Lee was the difference-maker, contributing 20 points with the boot, including a decisive late penalty.

Italy, on the other hand, come in with growing confidence after a strong Six Nations showing that included wins over both Scotland and England. Their campaign promised even more before a difficult final-round defeat to Wales, where a slow start left them chasing the game too late despite a late attacking surge.

Recent history between these two sides leans towards Italy, who have won the last three meetings, including two convincing performances in recent years.

Australia vs Ireland

Australia’s selection carries a transitional feel as Joe Schmidt continues to shape one of his final Wallabies squads.

Jock Campbell gets the nod at fullback, while Tom Wright returns from long-term injury via the bench after an ACL setback that has slowed his momentum since last season’s standout performances.

The back three is completed by Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch, with Carter Gordon and Ryan Lonergan forming a new half-back pairing that will be closely watched.

Harry Wilson continues as captain and anchors the pack at number eight, supported by Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini in a dynamic back row. Josh Nasser steps up at hooker, while James Slipper provides experience from the bench.

Dan Sheehan leads the side in the absence of Caelan Doris for Ireland, while Sam Prendergast earns a start at fly-half after an impressive finish to the season with Leinster. Jamison Gibson-Park links up with him to complete a familiar-looking half-back axis.

There is strength and balance across the backline, with Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose in midfield and Hugo Keenan at fullback. The wings are manned by Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne.

Jack Conan reaches a personal milestone with his 60th cap at number eight, flanked by Josh van der Flier and Cian Prendergast. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan form the second row, while the front five is completed by Tom O’Toole, Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.

Fiji vs Wales

Wales make a noticeable shift in shape for their opener, with Louis Rees-Zammit returning to the wing after a run of starts at fullback during the Six Nations.

It is one of six changes following their narrow win over the Barbarians, a match that exposed both attacking sharpness and defensive fragility in equal measure.

Rees-Zammit joins Josh Adams and Tomos Williams in the back division, offering pace and unpredictability out wide. In the forwards, Rhys Carre, Adam Beard and Alex Mann are among those brought into the starting side as Wales look to reset their pack balance.

South Africa vs England

England’s selection shows both continuity and experimentation as Steve Borthwick continues to settle combinations ahead of a demanding campaign.

Jack van Poortvliet gets the nod at scrum-half, linking with Fin Smith at fly-half, while Alex Mitchell provides impact from the bench in a tightly contested selection call.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns from injury to take his place on the right wing, adding pace and directness after missing the entire Six Nations. Cadan Murley starts on the opposite flank, with George Furbank completing the back three at fullback.

There is a notable tactical tweak in midfield, where Tommy Freeman continues at outside centre alongside Seb Atkinson, a pairing still in its early stages but backed for its physical edge.

Henry Pollock’s inclusion on the bench adds intrigue, while the back row of Ben Earl, Tom Curry and Ollie Chessum brings balance and power. The front row is anchored by Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Joe Heyes.

Argentina vs Scotland

Scotland’s trip to Argentina comes with enforced change in the key playmaking role, as Tom Jordan steps in at fly-half in place of Finn Russell, who is sidelined with a calf issue.

It is a significant moment for Jordan, who is trusted to guide the attack in one of the toughest away fixtures in international rugby.

Kyle Rowe starts at fullback, with Blair Kinghorn rested after his club commitments following Toulouse’s Top 14 final victory.

In midfield, Rory Hutchinson earns a rare start alongside captain Sione Tuipulotu, as Scotland continue without Huw Jones due to injury.

Up front, Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Elliot Millar-Mills form the front row, with Scott Cummings and Jonny Gray locking the scrum. Grant Gilchrist is rested, leaving Scotland with a slightly reshaped but still experienced pack.