Springboks to batter Italy, but Wallabies divide opinion

The Springboks to overpower Italy, the All Blacks to conquer Scotland and Japan to upset Wales. Mark Keohane and Zelim Nel have made their Nations Championship predictions, but the two could not agree on whether England or Australia would emerge victorious at Twickenham.

Speaking on the Keo & Zels Show, the pair previewed all six opening November fixtures, with the competition offering a tantalising taste of the high-pressure international rugby awaiting the world’s leading teams at the 2027 World Cup.

Both expect the Springboks to begin their November campaign with a convincing victory over Italy in Turin.

Nel has South Africa winning 37-13, while Keohane expects an even more emphatic 45-15 triumph.

The confidence stems from Rassie Erasmus’ decision to select an experienced matchday squad, despite having several exciting uncapped youngsters in his touring group.

Keohane believes the selection reflects the importance Erasmus now places on winning the inaugural Nations Championship, rather than simply using November to develop depth.

Italy’s injury problems have only strengthened the expectation that the Boks will secure maximum competition points.

Rassie sends a warning with powerful Bok selection

Attention then turns to Dublin, where Ireland host Argentina in what both presenters believe will be a difficult assignment for the unpredictable Pumas.

Keohane and Nel are admirers of Argentine rugby, but their enthusiasm comes with a warning about the South Americans’ tendency to follow impressive performances with disappointing defeats.

Nel predicts Ireland will win 33-20, while Keohane expects a tighter 23-17 result.

“I always want Argentina to win, but they are so inconsistent,” Keohane said.

Scotland’s challenge against New Zealand at Murrayfield also produced agreement.

Despite Scotland’s recent competitive performances against the All Blacks, neither presenter believes Gregor Townsend’s side will finally overcome the New Zealanders.

Their predictions were 35-20 and 32-16 in favour of the All Blacks.

“They’ll score some beautiful tries,” Keohane said, before predicting that Scotland would threaten an upset only to fall short again.

The pair were more optimistic about Japan’s chances against Wales.

Both backed Eddie Jones’ side to secure an away victory, predicting narrow wins of 24-22 and 26-23.

France’s meeting with Fiji in Paris generated considerable interest, particularly with former Springbok World Cup-winning coach Jake White now in charge of the Pacific Islanders.

Keohane and Nel expect White to introduce greater structure and tactical discipline to a team already blessed with extraordinary attacking ability.

With several Fijian internationals playing their club rugby in France, the pair believe Fiji will be more competitive than the bookmakers’ suggested 25-point handicap.

Both nevertheless favour France, with predictions of 32-20 and 38-18.

The biggest difference of opinion came in the final fixture, England against Australia at Twickenham.

Keohane expects England to make home advantage count with a 35-25 victory.

Nel, however, has backed the Wallabies to produce a dramatic upset, predicting a 34-32 Australian win.

He believes Australia possess the physical players required to challenge England, provided they adopt a more pragmatic approach built around kicking, tackling and territorial pressure.

“I think they could be more efficient and more dangerous,” Nel said.

Keohane remains unconvinced that the Wallabies possess sufficient strength in their tight five and halfback combinations to trouble England over 80 minutes.

Keo & Zels’ Nations Championship predictions

With six international heavyweights facing their northern and southern rivals, the November series promises to deliver the intensity usually reserved for the knockout stages of a World Cup.

And while Keohane and Nel agree on five of their six predicted winners, the Wallabies could determine who earns the bragging rights.

Who has called it correctly? Will the Springboks dominate Italy, can Japan stun Wales, and are the Wallabies capable of upsetting England? Have your say in the comments of our Youtube Channel.