Rugby Union
2026 Nations Championship: Round 3 Predictions
Two rounds into the inaugural Nations Championship and the northern and southern hemispheres are locked together at three wins apiece. William Hill News previews the third round of fixtures.
Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand are the only sides with maximum points after Round 2, while Fiji, Australia and Italy are still searching for their first win. Round three brings a blockbuster opener at Eden Park and five more fixtures that could shift the early balance of power.
New Zealand vs Ireland (08:10)
The standout fixture of the round sees the competition’s two remaining unbeaten sides collide at Eden Park. New Zealand have racked up 81 points in two games, seeing off France before running riot against Italy, while Ireland have ground out wins over Australia and Japan without ever hitting top gear.
The All Blacks are scoring tries for fun right now, and combining that with a home advantage, they should be able see off an Ireland side who aren’t quite at the top of their game.
- New Zealand – 1/5
- Draw – 25/1
- Ireland – 10/3
Japan vs France (09:40)
Japan have lost their opening two fixtures, including a heavy defeat to Ireland last time out, and face an even sterner test against a France side who bounced back from their New Zealand loss with a comfortable win over Australia. Les Bleus should have too much firepower here.
We are anticipating a high-scoring fixture, with France’s electric wingers once again lighting up the field while exposing Japan’s defensive struggles.
- Japan – 12/1
- Draw – 33/1
- France – 1/50
Australia vs Italy (11:10)
This is a clash between the tournament’s two winless sides, with Italy further hampered by a four-week ban for lock Niccolo Cannone. Australia were unlucky against both Ireland and France and should have enough to finally get off the mark.
The Wallabies have managed to start off their opening fixtures extremely well, taking the lead early against both Ireland and France, only to throw away the lead in the second half. Against a weaker Italian side, they will have learnt their lesson and should see this one out.
- Australia – 1/9
- Draw – 33/1
- Italy – 11/2
Fiji vs Scotland (14:10)
Fiji have shipped 112 points across their first two matches, including a chastening 73-8 loss to England, and Scotland will fancy their chances of a comfortable win despite their own defeat to South Africa last weekend.
Scotland have performed surprisingly well so far with a win against Argentina and a respectable 42-28 defeat to the World Champions South Africa, both away from home. Should they continue to play as they have, this could be another cricket score for Fiji.
- Fiji – 6/1
- Draw – 33/1
- Scotland 1/10
South Africa vs Wales (16:40)
The Springboks have been the standout side of the tournament so far, brushing aside England and Scotland, and face a Wales team who followed up their opening win over Fiji with defeat in Argentina. This looks a formality for the world champions.
- South Africa – 1/500
- Draw – 33/1
- Wales – 16/1
Argentina vs England (20:10)
The final match of the round sees Argentina, fresh off a bonus-point win over Wales, host an England side who responded to their opening loss to South Africa with a rout of Fiji. It’s a tight contest on paper, with the visitors edging it as narrow favourites in Santiago del Estero.
- Argentina – 6/5
- Draw – 25/1
- England 4/6
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
