Overview
- The Nations Championship resumed this weekend with full matchday squads published and Ireland set to host Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.
- Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said his team are not yet at the level to go to the World Cup “with the 100% belief” they could win it, framing the Dublin match as a diagnostic for improvement.
- Shaun Edwards has joined Argentina’s coaching group to work on their defence through the World Cup cycle, and Felipe Contepomi has restored many frontline Pumas for the trip to Dublin.
- Rassie Erasmus selected a largely veteran Springbok side to play Italy in Turin, with media features flagging Morné van den Berg, Jasper Wiese, Salmaan Moerat, Jan‑Hendrik Wessels and Lood de Jager as players to watch.
- England cleared Fin Smith to start against Australia and named uncapped Greg Fisilau on the bench, and analysts warn this weekend’s results could reshuffle World Rugby rankings and change the race for November’s Nations Championship final.