- The Rugby Nations Championship prediction article previews all the Round 3 action, including fixtures, kick-off times, venues, predictions, and the best betting tips.
- The weekend gets underway with New Zealand hosting Ireland at Eden Park from 10:10pm EAT.
- Round 3 concludes in Santiago del Estero, where Argentina host Wales with kick-off set for 10:10pm EAT.
On Saturday, 18 July, the inaugural Nations Championship reaches its third round, the final round of this July block, following two rounds of fierce battles across the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand are the only teams with maximum points after Round 2, while Fiji, Australia, and Italy are still searching for their first victory.
The final round of this opening block will once again feature all 24 teams set to compete at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Six more back-to-back Nations Championship matches gets underway with a blockbuster in Auckland as New Zealand host Ireland before the action concludes in Santiago del Estero, where Argentina take on England.
Rugby Nations Championship predictions
In this piece, SportPesa Blog Kenya previews all six Nations Championship fixtures, offering predictions, where to bet, the best betting tips, and the full schedule.
New Zealand vs Ireland prediction: Eden Park – 10:10am EAT
In the final week of the July Nations Championship, the All Blacks will defend their 32-year unbeaten record at Eden Park against Ireland.
Their rivalry has intensified since Ireland claimed their first-ever victory over New Zealand in 2016 on their 29th attempt.
Their unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final saw New Zealand edge Ireland 28-24 despite receiving two yellow cards and surviving a relentless Irish comeback. That defeat snapped Ireland’s 17-match winning streak.
The All Blacks have since won the last three meetings and will once again look to Will Jordan, whose hat-trick against Italy took him to 50 Test tries, a New Zealand all-time record.
Ireland will rely on Stuart McCloskey, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier.
Both teams boast a blend of proven experience and fresh talent, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could reshape momentum for both camps.
Japan vs France prediction: National Olympic Stadium – 11:40am EAT
Japan have lost their opening two matches, including a heavy defeat to Ireland, and now face an even sterner test against France on home soil.
France responded to their defeat against New Zealand with an impressive victory over Australia and will arrive full of confidence.
The two nations have met only once at the Rugby World Cup, with France securing a 51-29 victory in 2003, but this encounter at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo offers an intriguing glimpse ahead of their reunion at Australia 2027.
Both sides are in Pool E alongside the United States and Samoa, and their meeting on 9 October in Brisbane could determine who finishes top of the group.
France also gained valuable experience at the Brisbane venue last weekend, scoring six tries in a 42-26 victory over the Wallabies.
Even without Antoine Dupont and several other stars, Les Bleus head into this contest as clear favourites.
Australia vs Italy prediction- HBF Park, Perth – 1:10pm EAT
Australia face Italy in a clash between the tournament’s only winless sides, with the Azzurri missing lock Niccolo Cannone through a four-week suspension.
The Wallabies have started strongly against both Ireland and France before fading late, but against a less formidable Italian side, they will believe this is the ideal opportunity to claim their first win.
Joe Schmidt is eager to end his tenure on a high, with Australia currently on a Six-Test losing streak and seeking their first victory over Italy since 2018 after losing the previous two meetings.
Italy, meanwhile, are on a three-match losing run since their famous Six Nations triumph over England, suffering defeats to Wales, Japan, and New Zealand.
However, their spirited display against the All Blacks will give them confidence that they can spoil Schmidt’s farewell.
Fiji vs Scotland prediction- Murrayfield, Edinburgh – 4:10pm EAT
Scotland host Fiji at Murrayfield in the final July series fixture.
Fiji have conceded 112 points across their opening two matches, including a crushing 73-8 defeat to England, leaving Scotland confident of securing victory despite their loss to South Africa last weekend.
The Scots have impressed with a victory over Argentina and a spirited performance against the world champions.
Gregor Townsend has made 14 changes, with Gregor Brown the only player to retain his place, switching from the second row to number eight. He is joined by Josh Bayliss and 21-year-old Freddy Douglas in a reshaped back row.
Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe start on the wings, while Fergus Burke and George Horne combine at half-back. Gregor Hiddleston earns his first Test start at hooker alongside Jonny Gray and Max Williamson.
South Africa vs Wales prediction- Kings Park, Durban – 6:40pm EAT
South Africa are chasing a third consecutive Nations Championship victory after defeating England and Scotland.
Their most recent meeting with Wales ended in a crushing 73-0 victory for the Springboks, although Rugby World Cup history paints a far more competitive picture.
In 2011, South Africa edged a tense pool-stage contest 17-16. Four years later, a late Fourie du Preez try sealed a dramatic 23-19 semi-final victory.
Then, in 2019, Handré Pollard’s 76th-minute penalty once again broke Welsh hearts in a 19-16 semi-final triumph.
Wales have converted half of their line breaks into tries, matching Ireland for the best strike rate in the competition.
However, South Africa have been outstanding defensively, conceding tries from just 16 percent of opposition line breaks, the best defensive record in the tournament.
Argentina vs England prediction– Santiago del Estero – 10:10pm EAT
Argentina and England will bring the opening block of Nations Championship fixtures to a close in Santiago del Estero.
The Pumas recovered from their defeat to Scotland by overcoming Wales and now face an England side they have yet to beat in five Rugby World Cup meetings.
Their 2023 pool-stage clash saw George Ford kick three drop goals in a 27-10 victory despite England playing most of the match with 14 men after Tom Curry’s early red card.
The two sides met again in the bronze medal match, with England prevailing 26-23, before also winning a 2-0 series in Argentina in 2025. A narrow 27-23 England victory last November suggests another fiercely contested encounter.
Both teams have excelled at the lineout, with England boasting a perfect 100 percent success rate and Argentina close behind at 96 percent, while the Pumas have also maintained a flawless scrum record throughout the tournament.