Two trophies, one finale at Twickenham
The Nations Championship now has something to lift. The two trophies of the new competition were presented in London today: one for the winning country, the other for the hemisphere that finishes with the most points across all matches. The first champion will be crowned at the end of November.
The format splits the world in two. The north is France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy. The south is South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Fiji and Japan. Each northern side plays all six southern teams over a year, three in July away and three this month at home. Then comes a final weekend of ranking matches at Twickenham on 27, 28 and 29 November, with first plays first, second plays second, and so on down the tables.
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France lead the north, but not by much
After the July round France top the northern table on 12 points. They lost 34-32 in New Zealand with a double bonus point, then won in Australia (42-26) and Japan (42-15), both with an offensive bonus. Scotland are second on 11, England and Ireland both have 10. In the south, South Africa and New Zealand are level on 15 after three wins and three bonus points each, ahead of Australia on 8 and Argentina on 7.
France start their November run against Fiji on Saturday, then host South Africa on 13 November and Argentina to close the November window. A slip against the Springboks could cost them top spot before the last game. Ireland face Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, with the Springboks arriving on 21 November, the same day England host New Zealand at Twickenham.
If the tables hold, the final on Sunday 29 November at 5:40pm would be France against South Africa, with the title on the line and two points available for the hemisphere standings.
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