Overview
- South Africa overhauled their XV for Italy with 11 changes, restoring Handré Pollard at fly-half and naming Marco van Staden as emergency hooker cover as Lood de Jager serves a four-match ban.
- Wales handed Louis Rees‑Zammit his first start since the 2023 World Cup, appointed Dewi Lake as captain, and confirmed Jac Morgan’s autumn-ending shoulder injury ahead of a rankings-critical test against Japan.
- Ireland made nine personnel changes to face Australia, moving Mack Hansen to fullback for his first Test start at 15 and selecting Sam Prendergast at fly-half, with Paddy McCarthy earning a first start at prop.
- Australia recalled Len Ikitau and James O’Connor to the starting backline in Dublin, installed Max Jorgensen at fullback, and reconfigured the pack with Allan Alaalatoa returning and Tom Hooper shifting to lock.
- Scotland reported Finn Russell and Zander Fagerson are training fully and remain optimistic of featuring against Argentina, pending final fitness calls.