The inaugural Nations Championship gets underway this weekend, with world champions South Africa installed as favourites to lift the brand-new trophy, when the competition concludes in November.
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According to Betfair, the Springboks are priced at 12/5 to become the first-ever Nations Championship winners, ahead of fellow heavyweights France and New Zealand, who are both available at 4/1.
England and Ireland sit just behind at 5/1, while Australia are rated as 12/1 outsiders despite home advantage in the opening round of fixtures.
Nations Championship Winner Odds
- South Africa – 12/5
- France – 4/1
- New Zealand – 4/1
- England – 5/1
- Ireland – 5/1
- Australia – 12/1
- Argentina – 14/1
- Scotland – 22/1
- Wales – 75/1
- Fiji – 125/1
- Italy – 175/1
- Japan – 275/1
Round One Fixtures
The competition begins with a blockbuster six-Test “Super Saturday” on 4 July, featuring every nation in action.
New Zealand vs France
Venue: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Local kick-off: 7:10pm NZST
UK kick-off: 8:10am BST
Japan vs Italy
Venue: Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Local kick-off: 5:40pm JST
UK kick-off: 9:40am BST
Australia vs Ireland
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Local kick-off: 8:10pm AEST
UK kick-off: 11:10am BST
Fiji vs Wales
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
Local kick-off: 2:10pm BST
UK kick-off: 2:10pm BST
South Africa vs England
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Local kick-off: 5:40pm SAST
UK kick-off: 4:40pm BST
Argentina vs Scotland
Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba
Local kick-off: 4:10pm ART
UK kick-off: 8:10pm BST
With world champions South Africa, a resurgent New Zealand, a star-studded France squad and ambitious challengers such as England and Ireland all in the hunt, the Nations Championship promises to deliver one of the most competitive international rugby tournaments ever staged. Every match will count towards qualification for the Finals Weekend later this year, ensuring there are no dead rubbers as rugby’s newest global competition gets underway.
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