The Nations Championship resumes this weekend with three distinctly different stories unfolding. England are desperate for a convincing response after a turbulent year, Ireland are still searching for the form that briefly made them look like contenders again, and Scotland are quietly building momentum ahead of a landmark opportunity against New Zealand.
England: Pressure Mounts on Borthwick
Steve Borthwick’s position has been a constant talking point, and the scrutiny is unlikely to ease any time soon. England endured their worst Six Nations campaign earlier this year, losing four of five matches for the first time in their history. That run included a first-ever defeat to Italy and a record 42-21 home loss to Ireland at Twickenham. Scotland also beat them for the fifth time in six years.
The RFU publicly backed Borthwick through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia following what was described as a challenging review, and he has since signed an extension to 2028. Yet the results have continued to raise questions. A 45-21 loss to South Africa at Ellis Park was followed by a 73-8 win over Fiji and a 31-24 victory in Argentina, but those performances did little to silence the doubters.
Under Borthwick, England have completed four Six Nations campaigns without winning a title or a Triple Crown. Inconsistency, a porous defence, an attack that has often lacked invention, and disciplinary issues have characterised his tenure. With Australia, Japan and New Zealand visiting in November, defeats to the first two would be viewed as a disaster, while the All Blacks match offers a chance to make a statement.
Ireland: A Riddle Wrapped in Uncertainty
Andy Farrell’s Ireland remain difficult to pin down. Their Six Nations started poorly with a heavy loss to France and a laboured win over Italy, before a change at fly-half transformed their fortunes. Jack Crowley replaced Sam Prendergast and guided Ireland to a 42-21 win at Twickenham, a ten-point victory over Wales, and a 43-21 bonus-point win over Scotland. That run delivered another Triple Crown and left them within seconds of an unlikely title.
But injuries have since disrupted the side, most significantly to Crowley, who has not played since April because of a rare vascular injury in his leg. He has been ruled out until January 2027, raising concerns for him both professionally and personally. Prendergast, who had fallen out of Leinster’s matchday squad, fought his way back and was restored as Ireland’s starting fly-half for the July Tests.
Those summer matches offered little clarity. Ireland were fortunate to beat Australia 33-31 in Sydney, a second-string side overcame Japan, and they were soundly beaten 40-21 by New Zealand at Eden Park without earning a bonus point. Their attack looked stunted, their defence vulnerable, and their set-piece remained a target for opponents. Prendergast starts again against Argentina in Dublin on Friday, and he needs to prove he can defend at Test level and run an attack against top opposition. A first-ever home defeat to Argentina would be a significant setback ahead of a World Cup year.
Scotland: Hope After a Strong Summer
Gregor Townsend faced heavy criticism after a shock Six Nations defeat to Italy in Rome, but wins over England and France eased the pressure before Ireland thrashed Scotland 43-21 on the final weekend. The summer, however, brought encouragement. Scotland beat Argentina 47-38 in Cordoba, a must-win match given their poor record in the southern hemisphere, and then pushed South Africa close in Pretoria before a late Jesse Kriel try secured a 42-28 win for the Springboks.
Scotland also beat Fiji 33-17 to close out July. Having already defeated England, France and Argentina in 2026, they will believe they can challenge New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday. Scotland have never beaten the All Blacks in 33 attempts, and a first victory would be a significant marker ahead of 2027.
What to Watch This Weekend
The opening round of November fixtures sees Ireland host Argentina on Friday, before Italy face South Africa, Scotland meet New Zealand, Wales take on Japan, and France play Fiji on Saturday. England begin their campaign against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday. The tournament runs until finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on November 27-29.
