The second round of the 2026 Nations Championship produced another outstanding weekend of international rugby, with statement victories, high-scoring encounters and several title contenders strengthening their credentials as the July Test window gathered momentum.
The standout performance came from the Springboks, who defeated Scotland 42-28 in Pretoria to remain unbeaten in the competition. Despite fielding a much-changed side, South Africa once again demonstrated the incredible depth that has made them the world’s top-ranked team. Scotland played some of their most adventurous rugby in recent years, scoring four impressive tries and regularly testing the Springbok defence, but the physicality, clinical finishing and bench strength of the hosts ultimately proved too much. The victory keeps Rassie Erasmus’ side perfect after two rounds and firmly on course for another successful international campaign.
New Zealand also maintained their unbeaten start with a convincing 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington. The All Blacks were led by an outstanding performance from Will Jordan, who crossed for a hat-trick to become New Zealand’s all-time leading Test try scorer. While Italy showed flashes of attacking intent, the All Blacks gradually took control with their trademark speed, precision and relentless attacking rugby.
England produced arguably their most complete performance under Steve Borthwick, thrashing Fiji 73-8 in Liverpool. After criticism following last week’s defeat to South Africa, England responded emphatically by running in 11 tries. Substitute Henry Pollock stole the headlines with a second-half hat-trick, while Fin Smith orchestrated proceedings superbly from fly-half. The result marked England’s biggest-ever victory over Fiji and provided a huge confidence boost ahead of next weekend’s clash with Argentina.
Ireland continued their excellent start to the Nations Championship with a 36-20 win over Japan. The Irish once again showed their composure and discipline, gradually pulling away during the second half after Japan had threatened to cause an upset. Five well-worked tries ensured Ireland remained level with South Africa and New Zealand at the top of the standings after two rounds.
Elsewhere, France produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Australia 42-26 in Brisbane. Trailing at half-time, Les Bleus exploded after the interval with a relentless attacking display, piling on 30 unanswered points to hand the Wallabies another disappointing defeat. Meanwhile, Argentina bounced back in style by overcoming Wales 35-21 in San Juan, with Joaquín Oviedo scoring twice as Los Pumas controlled the final stages.
After two rounds, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland remain the only unbeaten teams, setting up a fascinating third weekend of fixtures. The headline clash sees New Zealand host Ireland in what promises to be one of the matches of the year, while South Africa welcome Wales and England travel to Argentina.
If the opening two rounds have shown anything, it is that international rugby is in outstanding health. The quality of rugby, emergence of new talent and fierce competition between the world’s leading nations have created one of the most exciting July Test windows in recent memory.
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