Three wins, 15 points and a points difference of +81. The Springboks have given themselves a strong platform in the Nations Championship. Italy, France and Ireland away will decide whether they reach the grand final.
Current position: 27 September
South Africa beat England 45-21, Scotland 42-28 and Wales 43-0 in the opening three rounds. That is 130 points scored and 49 conceded, with the Wales shutout the most emphatic result of the block.
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| England | South Africa won 45-21 |
| Scotland | South Africa won 42-28 |
| Wales | South Africa won 43-0 |
The Boks sit first in their six-team group. The three November Tests count towards the same standings, so the work done at home carries into the European leg.
Fixtures and dates
| Date | Fixture | Venue | SAST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 November | Italy v South Africa | Allianz Stadium, Turin | 13:40 |
| 13 November | France v South Africa | Stade de France, Paris | 22:10 |
| 21 November | Ireland v South Africa | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 18:40 |
France is a Friday-night Test, with a 22:10 start back home. The Ireland match follows eight days later, then all 12 teams head to Twickenham for finals weekend from 27 to 29 November.
How the final is decided
The six northern teams and six southern teams have separate standings. Each side plays all six opponents from the other group across July and November. Finishing first in the southern group earns South Africa a place in the grand final against the northern group winner.
The remaining sides also play at Twickenham: second faces second, third faces third, and so on. The grand final is on Sunday 29 November at 18:40 SAST.
| Date | Pairing | SAST |
|---|---|---|
| 27 November | Sixth v sixth | 18:40 |
| 27 November | Third v third | 22:10 |
| 28 November | Fifth v fifth | 15:10 |
| 28 November | Second v second | 18:40 |
| 29 November | Fourth v fourth | 15:10 |
| 29 November | First v first: grand final | 18:40 |
There is a separate Hemisphere Challenge across those six games. Each match is worth one point except the grand final, which is worth two. Four points win that contest.
The November opponents change the betting case
Italy enter round four with three defeats and no points. France and Ireland away are different assignments from the Boks' three home wins, and those last two fixtures deserve separate match assessments.
Scotland scored 28 against South Africa; Wales scored none. That range matters more to a totals bet than the combined 130-49 scoreline. A handicap or points-total selection belongs with the opponent-specific preview.
The URC season guide covers the club programme before the November Tests. Match selections sit on our rugby tips hub.
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Questions about Springboks: Nations Championship
Who do the Springboks play next in the Nations Championship?
South Africa face Italy in Turin on 7 November 2026 at 13:40 SAST.
What were South Africa's first three results?
The Springboks beat England 45-21, Scotland 42-28 and Wales 43-0.
Where is the Nations Championship final?
The grand final is at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on 29 November 2026 at 18:40 SAST.
How do the Springboks qualify for the grand final?
They must finish first in the six-team southern group after their six cross-group matches.