Six matches across Saturday’s opening round of the Nations Championship offer a full card of international rugby from Tokyo to Johannesburg.
New Zealand v France (09:10 SAST)
New Zealand have not lost at home to France since 1994, winning all 10 since. France arrive without Dupont and their Top 14 finalists, though what remains is still dangerous.
Pick: New Zealand (-3.5) @1.34
MORE: New Zealand vs France – Nations Championship betting preview
Japan v Italy (10:40 SAST)
Italy arrive in Tokyo having enjoyed their joint-best Six Nations campaign, finishing fourth and claiming a maiden win over England. Japan face this opener without head coach Eddie Jones, who is serving a four-match suspension for verbally abusing match officials.
Forwards coach Neil Hatley names the side, handing 21-year-old Ryunosuke Ito a debut at fly-half. Italy have won the last three head-to-head meetings, scoring at least two first-half tries in each of the last two.
Pick: Italy to win @1.32
Rugby betting guide for beginners
Australia v Ireland (12:10 SAST)
Ireland finished second in the Six Nations averaging 29 points per game and have won their last five meetings with Australia. Australia had a winless European tour and lost 21 of 24 matches as betting underdogs between 2023 and 2025.
Ireland are without Caelan Doris and Jack Crowley among several injuries, but retain more than enough quality to win.
Pick: Ireland to win @1.70
Betway
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
Fiji v Wales (15:10 SAST)
Fiji beat Wales 24-19 at Principality Stadium in November 2024, ending a four-match losing run in the fixture. Wales have lost all 23 of their matches when conceding the first try, a deeply alarming statistic against a Fiji side that conceded the opening try in eight of nine games last year, yet won five of those eight – a sign of their attacking comeback threat.
Pick: Fiji to win @1.64
South Africa v England (17:40 SAST)
South Africa are on a nine-match winning run with the world’s best set-piece and home altitude advantage. England arrive on their worst Six Nations campaign in memory.
Pick: South Africa (-6.5) @1.26
MORE: South Africa vs England – Nations Championship betting preview
Argentina v Scotland (21:10 SAST)
Argentina host Scotland at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in their first home game since August 2025. Scotland are without Finn Russell and have won only three of their last eight away matches.
Pick: Argentina to win @1.32
Rugby live betting – Reading momentum, cards and tactical swings
Saturday accumulator
Italy @1.32
Ireland @1.70
Fiji @1.64
New Zealand (-3.5) @1.34
South Africa (-6.5) @1.26
Argentina @1.32
Total accumulator odds: 8.20
Booking code: BW609D3407
Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
ZarBet
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
