Lyon (AFP) – South Africa against Italy, New Zealand against Scotland and France against Fiji continued their journey at the top of their groups on Saturday with comprehensive victories on the fourth day of the Nations Championship.
First modification: 07/11/2026 - 23:47
In the South group, two teams have 20 points out of 20 thanks to four victories with bonuses in as many games: South Africa and New Zealand, with an advantage in the difference in points scored/conceded for the current two-time world champions, a week before facing the XV of France, leader of the North group.
On Saturday in Turin, the current two-time world champions did not mince words and humiliated the Italians of Argentine coach Gonzalo Quesada by 66 to 7.
The South African hurricane, impressive for its strength and dominance, ended the Blues' hopes in just twenty-five minutes with five tries (38-0), all converted by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
An advantage that allowed changes to be made so as not to overload the veterans: Kolisi, Wiese, Toit, Nche and Marx, author of two tries, were substituted already in the 45th minute.
"Their dominance was total, they had a crazy, incredible first half, putting us under constant pressure, (...) we played against the best team in the world," Quesada admitted. Italy remains stuck with zero points.
Shortly after, the All Blacks knew how to be patient to achieve a valuable victory with a bonus point in Scotland (43-21), with seven tries in total.
Led by Beauden Barrett in great form, New Zealand escaped in the second half, when they only led by three points at halftime (24-21).
The Scots had managed to stay in the fight thanks to some nice actions from flyhalf Finn Russell and, above all, from their hooker Ewan Ashman, author of a hat trick in half an hour.
France responds to Ireland
In the North group, put under pressure since Friday by Ireland's impressive bonus point victory against Argentina (42-12), marked by a hat trick from defender Hugo Keenan, France regained the lead with a resounding victory against Fiji (54-17).
In that match, French flyhalf Romain Ntamack was injured, and will presumably miss the rest of the competition.
Before, Wales confirmed the good feelings it is offering in 2026: after having beaten Italy and Fiji in July, the Welsh beat Japan in Cardiff, with an offensive bonus point (28-21).
The two teams remained neck and neck for most of the match, with a Welsh try followed by a Japanese try in the first half. But in this exchange, the Welsh went into the break ahead thanks to a last try by Louis Rees-Zammit (21-14).
The Welsh finally broke away ten minutes from time thanks to a try from Josh Adams.
On Sunday, England and Australia will close the fourth day.
© 2026 AFP
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