English
Indian
العربية
Español
Deutsch
Türkçe
Русский
Français (Afrique)
Nations Championship Round 3 Predictions: Fixtures, Times & Best Bets
Nations Championship Round 3 Predictions: The Rugby Nations Championship reaches its third and final round of the July block on Saturday, 18 July 2026. Six matches across three continents complete the opening phase of the inaugural competition, which brings together all 24 nations participating in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand are the only sides with maximum points after two rounds, while Fiji, Australia and Italy are still searching for their first win.
Round 3 fixtures at a glance
| Date (EAT) | Match | Venue | KO (EAT) |
| Sat 18 Jul | New Zealand vs Ireland | Eden Park, Auckland | 10:10 |
| Sat 18 Jul | Japan vs France | National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo | 11:40 |
| Sat 18 Jul | Australia vs Italy | HBF Park, Perth | 13:10 |
| Sat 18 Jul | Fiji vs Scotland | Murrayfield, Edinburgh | 16:10 |
| Sat 18 Jul | South Africa vs Wales | Kings Park, Durban | 18:40 |
| Sat 18 Jul | Argentina vs England | Estadio Único, Santiago del Estero | 22:10 |
All kick-off times in EAT.
New Zealand vs Ireland — Eden Park, Auckland — 10:10 EAT
The All Blacks will defend their 32-year unbeaten record at Eden Park against the only side with maximum points alongside them in the standings. Will Jordan brings fresh momentum after his hat-trick against Italy took him to 50 Test tries — an All Blacks all-time record. Ireland, meanwhile, will rely on Stuart McCloskey, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier to drive their challenge. ipl-cricket.in
Their rivalry has intensified since Ireland claimed their first-ever win over New Zealand in 2016, but the All Blacks have since won the last three meetings, including a 28-24 victory in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final that snapped Ireland’s 17-match winning streak.
Japan vs France — National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo — 11:40 EAT
Japan face their stiffest home test of the series against a France side that recovered from a Round 1 defeat to New Zealand with an impressive 42-26 win over Australia. Japan lost their opening two matches, including a heavy defeat to Ireland. Even without Antoine Dupont and several other key players, France are clear favourites.
The two sides will also meet at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia (Pool E), making this an important reconnaissance match for both camps. France scored six tries against the Wallabies last weekend and will be confident of another strong attacking performance.
Australia vs Italy — HBF Park, Perth — 13:10 EAT
Two winless sides meet in Perth with pride and home advantage the primary motivators for Joe Schmidt’s Australia in what is expected to be his final match as Wallabies head coach. Australia have started strongly in both previous matches before fading late. Italy are missing lock Niccolò Cannone through a four-week suspension.
Australia are on a six-test losing streak but are seeking their first win over Italy since 2018, having lost the previous two meetings. Italy’s spirited display against New Zealand showed their capacity to compete, but home advantage and the occasion should favour the Wallabies.
Fiji vs Scotland — Murrayfield, Edinburgh — 16:10 EAT
Scotland host a Fiji side that have conceded 112 points across their opening two rounds, including a 73-8 hammering by England. Gregor Townsend has made 14 changes, with only Gregor Brown retaining his place (shifting from lock to number eight). Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe start on the wings; Gregor Hiddleston earns his first Test start at hooker.
Scotland lost to South Africa in Round 2 but beat Argentina in Round 1. Fiji, despite their heavy losses, have shown attacking intent and Scotland will need to be disciplined to avoid conceding easy scores. The home advantage and the scale of Fiji’s defensive problems make Scotland clear favourites.
South Africa vs Wales — Kings Park, Durban — 18:40 EAT
The Springboks chase a third consecutive Nations Championship victory at their Durban fortress. South Africa have been outstanding defensively throughout the competition — conceding tries from just 16 percent of opposition line breaks, the best in the tournament. Their most recent meeting with Wales ended in a 73-0 demolition, though World Cup history paints a closer picture: three semi-final encounters decided by four points or fewer (2011, 2015, 2019).
Wales have impressed at the lineout and converted half their line breaks into tries, matching Ireland for the best strike rate in the competition. However, South Africa’s defensive structure and home advantage make them strong favourites in Durban.
Argentina vs England — Estadio Único, Santiago del Estero — 22:10 EAT
The final fixture of the July Nations Championship block is a fitting conclusion. Argentina host England in Santiago del Estero in a fixture that echoes the rivalry being played out simultaneously on the football pitch between the two nations at the World Cup.
The Pumas recovered from a Round 1 defeat to Scotland by beating Wales and now host an England side they have never beaten in five Rugby World Cup meetings. England prevailed 27-10 in their 2023 World Cup pool-stage clash — despite playing most of the match with 14 men — and followed that with a 26-23 bronze medal win. A narrow 27-23 England win last November suggests momentum is with the tourists.
Both teams have excelled at the lineout: England with a perfect 100 percent success rate and Argentina close behind at 96 percent. The Pumas also maintain a flawless scrum record. This is expected to be the round’s most competitive and closely-contested fixture.
Where to bet
France – Angleterre : pourquoi le match pour la troisième place existe-t-il encore ?
Éliminée en demi-finale par l’Espagne (0-2), l’équipe de France affronte ce samedi l’Angleterre à Miami dans la « petite finale » de la Coupe du monde 2026. Une affiche qui laisse souvent les supporters perplexes. Pourquoi disputer un match lorsque le rêve de décrocher le trophée s’est déjà envolé ? Si cette rencontre est parfois […]
L’article France – Angleterre : pourquoi le match pour la troisième place existe-t-il encore ? est apparu en premier sur Shoot Africa.
Coupe du Monde 2026 – Finale : « c’est l’un des meilleurs joueurs au monde », Messi encense Lamine Yamal
À la veille de la finale Argentine – Espagne, prévue pour ce dimanche 19 juillet 2026 à 19H00 GMT, Lionel Messi a évoqué son adversaire Lamine Yamal. Entre eux, une photo légendaire et 16 ans d’écart. La Pulga a rendu un hommage vibrant au prodige espagnol avant l’affiche la plus attendue de la Coupe du Monde 2026.
La photo qui a fait le tour du monde
Lors de la conférence de presse d’avant match, de la finale de la Coupe du Monde 2026 entre l’Argentine et l’Espagne, Lionel Messi a été interrogé sur une photo légendaire prise alors que Lamine Yamal n’était qu’un bébé. Sur le cliché, on voit un jeune Messi tenir un nourrisson dans ses bras lors d’une séance photo caritative du Barça. Ce bébé, c’était Lamine Yamal. Demain, ils s’affronteront pour le titre mondial.
L’hommage Messi
La réponse de Leo a été particulièrement marquante , « Cette photo est incroyable. Il n’était qu’un bébé… et maintenant, nous allons disputer une finale de Coupe du Monde. C’est l’un des meilleurs joueurs au monde. Je lui souhaite beaucoup de réussite ; ce sera aussi une excellente chose pour le Barça »,
Un respect total de Messi envers l’ailier de 19 ans, déjà décisif à plusieurs reprises dans ce mondial.
Une légende face à son successeur
Lionel Messi a fait preuve d’humilité en tant que légende en rendant hommage à son successeur. D’un côté Messi, 39 ans, qui joue peut-être sa toute dernière finale de Coupe du Monde. De l’autre Yamal, l’étoile montante de la Roja et du Barça, qui découvre la scène mondiale. Dimanche au MetLife, l’histoire ne se jouera pas seulement entre l’Argentine et l’Espagne. Elle se jouera aussi entre le passé et le futur du football.
The post Coupe du Monde 2026 – Finale : « c’est l’un des meilleurs joueurs au monde », Messi encense Lamine Yamal appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
Desiree Ellis Confirms 26-Player South Africa WAFCON Squad
SANDTON — South Africa head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially unveiled her final 26-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Announced at the Sasol headquarters on Friday, the roster striking a calculated balance between seasoned international veterans and emerging domestic youth outlines South Africa’s dual objective: reclaiming the continental crown and securing a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The squad departs for North Africa this weekend to begin an early acclimatization camp ahead of their tournament opener on July 27.
World Cup Stakes Elevate Moroccan Showpiece
The stakes for the tournament, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16, 2026, extend far beyond continental bragging rights. WAFCON 2026 serves as the primary African qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Automatic Qualification: All four tournament semi-finalists will book a direct spot to Brazil next year.
- Playoff Opportunities: An additional two teams will advance to the intercontinental playoffs, keeping the door open for extended tournament runs.
South Africa enters the competition highly motivated following a challenging previous edition. Captain Refiloe Jane, who returns to full fitness after capitalizing on the tournament’s prior scheduling adjustments, emphasized the clarity of the team’s mission.
“It’s very important for us to do well in this upcoming tournament,” Jane stated. “We know the previous one did not go very well, but we all know what is at stake with this one. It is a World Cup qualifying tournament, so the main objective is to qualify for the World Cup, and then we will take everything further from there.”
Squad Dynamics: Experience, Key Returns, and Youth
Ellis has retained a core group of stalwarts boasting significant global tournament experience. Key figures include star striker Thembi Kgatlana, midfield engine Linda Motlhalo, defensive anchors Lebohang Ramalepe and Bambanani Mbane, and the elite goalkeeping duo of Kaylin Swart and Andile Dlamini.
Notably, forward Hildah Magaia, currently unattached but remembered for scoring both goals in the historic 2022 final victory over Morocco, gets the nod. The midfield sees a headline return for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, who steps out of retirement to join her spouse, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, who has successfully recovered from a severe leg injury sustained in the previous cycle.
While the team navigates the post-retirement absence of veteran leader Jermaine Seoposenwe, Ellis has infused the setup with promising young talent, including Isabella Ludwig, Ronnel Donnelly, and Zoe October.
The Final 26-Player Roster
Position | Players |
Goalkeepers | Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kebotseng Moletsane (University of Fort Hare) |
Defenders | Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, Khutso Pila (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Lonathemba Mhlongo, Antonia Maponya, Fikile Magama (all UWC) |
Midfielders | Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, SCO), Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland, DEN), Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Isabella Ludwig (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado (both JVW FC); Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, MEX) |
Forwards | Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL, MEX), Nthabiseng Majiya, Zoe October (both UWC); Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns), Hildah Magaia (Unattached) |
Group B Schedule and Path to the Knockouts
South Africa has been placed in a highly competitive Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. Under the tournament structure, the top two teams from each group will advance directly to the quarterfinal knockout stage.
Coach Ellis maintained a strictly disciplined outlook regarding their group opponents, stressing that no team can be taken lightly on the continental stage.
“We chose players who we believe will be able to help us reach our goals of reaching the semifinals of the tournament,” said Ellis. “We will not underestimate or undermine any of the teams in the group, but we will give them respect and just play to our strengths with the goal of winning our matches. We are going to play one game at a time; the first objective is to win our first game against Tanzania.”
South Africa Group Stage Fixtures
Date | Opponent | Venue |
July 27, 2026 | Tanzania | Casablanca |
July 31, 2026 | Ivory Coast | Casablanca |
August 4, 2026 | Burkina Faso | Casablanca |
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
The post Desiree Ellis Confirms 26-Player South Africa WAFCON Squad appeared first on South Africa Sports News and Blog Site | South Africa Sport.
Fiji give Scotland a fright
South African prop Pierre Schoeman scored a try as Scotland overturned a 10-point half-time deficit to beat Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Gregor Townsend’s much-changed side were in danger of a shock defeat after falling 17-7 behind at the interval.
But Scotland stormed back in the second half to avoid a major embarrassment at Murrayfield, clinching a 33-17 bonus-point win.
Dobie scored two tries after the break to spark Scotland’s revival, while fellow replacements Schoeman and Scott Cummings also crossed over.
The Scots’ escape act secured their second win from three matches in the new tournament. They defeated Argentina 47-38 in their opener before losing 42-28 to the Springboks in Pretoria last weekend.
Scotland will resume their Nations Championship campaign in November with matches against New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
REPORT: Wallabies crack 50 against Azzurri
Townsend’s decision to make 14 changes looked like coming back to bite him as Fiji dominated the first half.
Lock Jonny Gray’s close-range try and scrumhalf George Horne’s conversion gave Scotland an early lead, but Fiji were unfazed.
Hooker Tevita Ikanivere touched down following a maul to cap an immediate response from Fiji, who struck again through winger Selestino Ravutaumada’s sensational effort.
Taking possession wide on the flank, Ravutaumada kicked ahead and recovered the ball before racing away to score.
No 8 Elia Canakaivata pounced on the loose ball after a break down and jumped over the line for another Fiji try, with fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula adding the conversion.
ALSO: Rennie ‘really rapt’ ahead of SA tour
But Scotland were revived by Townsend’s switches in the second half.
Playing with renewed intensity, they battered Fiji into submission as the visitors gradually faded.
The power of Pierre Schoeman
↳ Nations Championship. Every Match. Live & On Demand. Wallabies available in 4K.#StanSportAU #NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/w1BhMsS5Ch
— Stan Sport Rugby (@StanSportRugby) July 18, 2026
Scotland captain Stafford McDowall saluted the fightback, saying: “I’m really proud of the boys. We got loose and let Fiji into the game but we responded and the bench had a really big impact.
“We had to stick to what we have done all year. It was a good sign to see those lads coming on in the second half. I am off to be a groomsman at a wedding now!”
FIJI – Tries: Tevita Ikanivere, Selestino Ravutaumada, Elia Canakaivata. Conversion: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
SCOTLAND – Tries: Jonny Gray, Pierre Schoeman, Jamie Dobie (2), Scott Cummings. Conversions: George Horne, Fergus Burke (3).
Photo: Scott Heppell/Reuters
The post Fiji give Scotland a fright appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.