2026 Nations Championship standings: Pumas are fourth after Round 3

France maintains its sole leadership in the Northern Hemisphere of the 2026 Nations Championship, accumulating 12 points after the third round of matches. In the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa and New Zealand are tied at the top with 15 points each.

The Argentinian Pumas suffered a setback, falling to England 31-24 at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. This loss places them fourth in the Southern Hemisphere standings, ahead only of Japan and Fiji.

Other notable results from the round include New Zealand's decisive 40-21 victory over Ireland, France's 42-15 win against Japan, and Australia's dominant 57-10 performance against Italy. Scotland defeated Fiji 33-17, and South Africa crushed Wales 43-0.

The upcoming fourth round, scheduled for November 6-8, features several key matchups: Ireland vs. Argentina, France vs. Fiji, Wales vs. Japan, Italy vs. South Africa, Scotland vs. New Zealand, and England vs. Australia.

The Nations Championship, a biennial tournament established by the Six Nations and Sanzaar (South African, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina Rugby unions), aims to avoid conflicts with the Rugby World Cup and the British and Irish Lions tours. Argentina represents the Southern Hemisphere alongside Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, while Scotland, France, Wales, England, Ireland, and Italy compete in the Northern Hemisphere. Fiji and Japan participate as invited teams.