The second round of the 2026 Nations Championship has concluded, marking another exhilarating weekend of rugby in the Southern Series. The competition kicked off in New Zealand where the All Blacks secured their second consecutive win with a robust 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington, showcasing Will Jordan's standout performance. Meanwhile, Australia faced a second defeat at the hands of France, who clinched a 42-26 win. In an unusual setting, Japan played against Ireland in Newcastle, New South Wales, leading to a challenging 36-20 win for Ireland. England celebrated a triumphant return home with a 73-8 thrashing of Fiji, and South Africa edged out Scotland 42-28 in Pretoria. The round concluded with Argentina defeating Wales 35-21, bouncing back into form.
Among the standout players, Marcus Smith of England demonstrated his versatility and skill, impressively adapting to multiple positions during the game against Fiji. "Marcus's ability to switch roles seamlessly was crucial under the pressure of injuries," noted England coach Steve Borthwick, highlighting Smith's adaptability.
"Marcus's ability to switch roles seamlessly was crucial under the pressure of injuries."
Wales' captain, Jac Morgan, despite a disallowed try, continued to exhibit relentless determination and leadership. South Africa's Handré Pollard silenced his critics with a commanding performance that earned him the Player of the Match title against Scotland. In New Zealand, Cam Roigard was pivotal in setting the pace of the game, delivering a high number of passes that kept the Italian defense on their toes.
Romain Ntamack marked his return to international rugby with a stellar performance for France, orchestrating a significant victory over Australia. Santiago Carreras shone for Argentina, playing a key role in their win over Wales. Finally, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Fraser McReight both delivered strong performances for South Africa and Australia, respectively, demonstrating their critical roles in their teams' successes.
This round of the Nations Championship not only provided thrilling matches but also highlighted the depth of talent across the teams, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.