Roundup: The Nations Championship Southern Series
21 Jul 2026Scotland sit second in the Northern Hemisphere table after the Nations Championship Southern Series which featured away wins against Argentina and Fiji.
With three matchdays and 18 fixtures of enthralling rugby behind us, the opening series of the inaugural 2026 Nations Championship has drawn to a close before the competition reconvenes this November. For Gregor Townsend’s side, a productive summer campaign leaves them holding second place in the Northern Hemisphere table, setting up a dramatic group-stage conclusion with three major Tests at Scottish Gas Murrayfield against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
Round One: Statements made in Córdoba
Scotland opened their campaign in Argentina, where an explosive seven-try display announced the squad on the global stage. Securing a memorable 47-38 victory, the scoring was spread across the park, featuring tries from milestone men Pierre Schoeman and Scott Cummings on their 50th international caps. Debutant hooker Gregor Hiddleston also crossed the line to cap off a clinical attacking performance away from home.
[PICTURED] Zander Fagerson (L) in action during a Nations Championship match between Argentina and Scotland at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, in Cordoba, Argentina.
Round Two: Pushing the World Champions in Pretoria
In round two, Scotland travelled to the high altitude of Loftus Versfeld to test themselves against the back-to-back world champion Springboks. The Scots produced a courageous performance, controlling large spells of territory and taking the game directly to South Africa. While Rassie Erasmus’ squad depth and clinical transition play ultimately sealed a 42-28 victory for the hosts, Scotland’s four-try effort secured a vital away bonus point.
[PICTURED] Ben White scores a second half try during a Nations Championship match between South Africa and Scotland at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, on July 11, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Round Three: Overcoming the Fijian challenge in Edinburgh
This past weekend saw Fiji bring their “home” Test to Scottish Gas Murrayfield, bringing the vibrant culture and energy the Pacific Island nation is famed for. The Flying Fijians lived up to their reputation early on, diving over the whitewash for three first-half tries to take a 17-7 lead into the break. However, a relentless second-half response belonged entirely to Scotland, who scored 26 unanswered points to seal a 33-17 victory and a second crucial bonus-point win.
[PICTURED] Ollie Smith wears a shirt with a gold number ’13’ to honour Scott Hastings during a Nations Championship match between Fiji and Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, on July 18, 2026, in Edinburgh.
As it stands
In a competition designed to pit the world’s best against one another, the performance standards have delivered on every expectation. Across the opening three rounds, the North and South sit deadlocked at nine victories apiece in the cross-hemisphere battle.
Having taken two bonus-point wins and a losing bonus point away from Pretoria, Scotland finish the Southern Series in second position on 11 points. France currently top the Northern table on 12 points, with England and Ireland chasing closely behind on 10.
Across their three fixtures, Scotland showcased immense attacking ambition, ranking second overall for total metres made and carries behind New Zealand, while trailing only Fiji in offloads.
Still to come: November at Scottish Gas Murrayfield
The Nations Championship reaches its group-stage climax right here in the capital this November. Scotland will need to maintain their fine form as they open the Northern Series against an unbeaten All Blacks side, before taking on third-place Australia and a dangerous Japan squad that recorded an impressive opening-round win against Italy.
Tickets and multi-match packages for all three November fixtures are available to purchase now.
