13 November 2026
The inaugural Nations Championship enters its fifth round this weekend, with just two pool rounds remaining before the Finals Weekend later this month.
While there is still time for teams to climb the standings, this round feels like a pivotal moment in the competition. Several sides arrive with momentum after impressive opening Northern Series performances, while others face increasing pressure to reignite their campaigns before opportunities run out.
The standout fixture sees France host South Africa in Paris, a meeting between two of the tournament's leading contenders. Elsewhere, Wales welcome New Zealand to Cardiff, Scotland take on a wounded Australia side in Edinburgh, and England seek to continue their strong form against Japan in London.
Friday 13 November 2026
France v South Africa: 22:10 SAST, Stade de France
Round five begins with what looks like the final before the final.
France have continued to underline their credentials as one of the strongest teams in the world, building on their Southern Series victories over Australia and Japan with another commanding display against Fiji. The influence of Antoine Dupont remains central to their hopes, but France's greatest strength may be the depth and variety available throughout the squad.
South Africa, however, continue to set the standard. The Springboks swept through the Southern Series before arriving in Europe and reinforced their status with a dominant victory over Italy in Turin. Rassie Erasmus' side have combined their traditional power with an increasingly expansive attacking game and will travel to Paris believing they can claim another statement result.
Saturday 14 November 2026
Italy v Argentina: 13:40 SAST, Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Genoa)
Both teams enter the weekend looking for a victory that could provide a welcome boost heading into the final round of pool fixtures.
Italy have shown ambition throughout the tournament but have struggled to convert positive passages into victories. A game at the home of Serie A sides Genoa and Sampdoria offers Gonzalo Quesada's side an opportunity to reward their home support and build confidence before the competition's closing stages.
Argentina remain one of the tournament's most unpredictable teams. The Pumas have pushed several leading sides close without always collecting the results their performances deserved, and they will view this fixture as a realistic chance to climb the standings.
Wales v New Zealand: 16:10 UTC, Principality Stadium
Wales face another significant examination after earning a morale-boosting victory over Japan.
There were encouraging signs for the hosts in Cardiff last weekend, particularly in attack, where Blair Murray, Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit all made important contributions. The challenge now is backing up that performance against one of the world's most formidable sides.
New Zealand remain among the favourites to lift the inaugural title. Although Scotland tested them for much of a compelling contest at Murrayfield, the All Blacks still found a way to prevail and maintain their strong position in the competition. This will be one of Wales' toughest challenges of the year, but expect them to rise to the occasion in Cardiff.
England v Japan: 18:40 SAST, Allianz Stadium (London)
England are flying high after their record victory against the Wallabies last time out.
Never underestimate the Eddie Jones factor, though, with Japan's head coach having once been the England boss for a tenure that brought some great success. Expect cunning plans aplenty from the Brave Blossoms, who are capable of making life uncomfortable for any opponent.
Jones' team have shown a willingness to attack from deep and move the ball at pace throughout the tournament, even when results have not always followed. England will start as clear favourites, but they can expect a spirited challenge.
Ireland v Fiji: 22:10 SAST, Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
Ireland continue their campaign on home soil after overcoming Argentina in style in round four.
Andy Farrell's side have looked increasingly settled as the tournament has progressed and will regard this fixture as an opportunity to maintain momentum ahead of the final round. The emergence of new players alongside an established core has provided Ireland with a healthy balance going into a World Cup year.
Fiji are still searching for a breakthrough result after their humbling in Lyon at the hands of France. But their ability to create opportunities from broken play means opponents can rarely feel comfortable, and Ireland's defence will need to be watertight to avoid any game-breaking moments from the visitors.
Sunday 15 November 2026
Scotland v Australia: 17:10 SAST, Scottish Gas Murrayfield
The final fixture of the weekend could have major implications for the shape of the standings heading into round six.
Scotland emerged from their defeat to New Zealand with credit after producing one of their most complete halves of the year. Gregor Townsend's side demonstrated they can compete with the very best teams and will view the Wallabies as there for the taking.
Australia, meanwhile, will be out to flip the script. Under Les Kiss, the Wallabies have shown signs of continued growth that began under Joe Schmidt. An away win would further strengthen their credentials going into next year's home World Cup.