Springboks to batter Italy, but Wallabies divide opinion

Mark Keohane and Zelim Nel previewed the opening round of the Nations Championship fixtures on the Keo & Zels Show. Both analysts predicted commanding victories for South Africa over Italy in Turin, forecasting scores of 45-15 and 37-13 respectively following Rassie Erasmus' selection of an experienced matchday squad. However, the pair split over the England versus Australia clash at Twickenham, with Keohane backing England to win 35-25 while Nel predicted an Australian upset at 34-32.

Across the remaining fixtures, both analysts agreed on predictions for four other matches. They backed Ireland over Argentina, New Zealand to defeat Scotland at Murrayfield, Japan to upset Wales, and France to overcome a Jake White-coached Fiji side.