South Africa’s route to the Nations Championship final is set to become significantly tougher when the Springboks travel north for two crucial matches against France and Ireland.
The Springboks’ campaign resumes in around a week, starting with a meeting with Italy at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on 7 November.
That fixture is followed by the defining stages of South Africa’s campaign. Rassie Erasmus’ side visit Stade de France to play France on 13 November before travelling to Dublin Arena to face Ireland on 21 November.
South Africa currently lead the Southern Hemisphere table, according to the Nations Championship website. New Zealand are second and are the only other unbeaten team in the competition.
The two sides are level on points, but South Africa hold first place because of their 30-point advantage. They will be aware, however, that one poor result could allow the All Blacks to move ahead.
France occupy top spot in the Northern Hemisphere standings after winning two of their three matches. Scotland are second, just one point behind, while England and Ireland remain within reach in third and fourth.
France are also vulnerable to losing their lead if they stumble, making the Springboks’ visit to Stade de France particularly important as the competition moves towards its final round.
The Nations Championship fixture schedule sets out the contrasting challenges facing the two Southern Hemisphere contenders.
New Zealand appear to have the more favourable route on paper, although their opening match will be against a Scotland team that has impressed so far. The All Blacks meet Scotland on 7 November.
They then travel to Cardiff to play Wales at the Principality Stadium on 14 November, before finishing the league phase against England at Twickenham Stadium on 21 November.
That final match could prove decisive in determining which team reaches the inaugural final.
For South Africa, the matches against France and Ireland are likely to carry the greatest weight. The Springboks must first negotiate their meeting with Italy before taking on two sides competing near the top of the Northern Hemisphere table.
The Nations Championship finals weekend will be held in London from 27-29 November.
