Nations Championship Best Bets - Round 1

Australia arrive for their opening Test of the newly created Nations Championship looking to secure a win that would end a run of four consecutive defeats. A 25-7 loss to England in November 2025 was quickly followed by defeats to Italy (26-19), Ireland (46-19) and France (48-33). While there were heavy defeats across these four matches, their most embarrassing loss came at the hands of the Italians, with Australia sinking to new depths. An inability to properly contest in the set-piece and with ball in hand will likely see them struggle across the competition, and I back them to slump to a sixth consecutive loss to their opponents. 

South Africa are aiming to secure a 10th consecutive win when they take to the field for their opening match of the 2026 Nations Championship. Admittedly, their 80-31 win over the Barbarians in June is not likely the benchmark that they will be ranked against, but it still makes up part of a winning run dating back to a 24-17 loss to New Zealand in September 2025. At home, South Africa have won 12 of their last 13, with only a stunning 38-22 loss to Australia breaking this run. South Africa and England have not actually played in South Africa since 2018 when England stormed to a 25-10 win. At all venues, South Africa have won their last three against the English, and I back them to put their under pressure opponents to the sword as they easily beat England.