The second round of the 2026 Nations Championship is in the books, with another thrilling weekend locked in from the Southern Series.
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The action commenced down in New Zealand, as the All Blacks made it two wins on the bounce with a convincing display against Italy in Wellington. The home of the Hurricanes hosted the 47-17 hammering, with Will Jordan starring upon a historic day for the Crusaders man. Australia then suffered their second straight loss to their Northern Hemisphere tourists, as France pulled out all the stops for the impressive 42-26 victory.
The action then remained in the land down under, as Japan ‘hosted’ Ireland in Newcastle, New South Wales, much to the chagrin of Brave Blossoms head coach Eddie Jones. It was a tough afternoon for the heavily rotated Irish side, yet Andy Farrell’s men picked up the hard-fought 36-20 victory despite the resolved opponents. England then enjoyed a glorious home-coming with a rampant 73-8 win over Fiji, which included England debut test tries for Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori.
The action then headed down to Pretoria, as South Africa fought tooth and nail for their 42-28 win over Scotland. The action closed out in Argentina, with Los Pumas getting back to winning ways with a 35-21 triumph over Steve Tandy’s Wales side. So, with another Nations Championship weekend in the bag, lets take a look at the updated RUCK Power Rankings for the Summer.
POWER RANKINGS: NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2
20. Marcus Smith (England)
Marcus Smith once again proved why he is one of England’s most valuable assets, seamlessly filling multiple roles against Fiji. The Harlequins fly half once again started at full-back before shifting to scrum-half following injuries to Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell, and he never looked out of place. He grabbed England’s opening try by backing up in support and later showcased his electric acceleration from deep. While a costly slip almost led to a Fijian score, Smith’s adaptability and composure under pressure highlighted just how indispensable he has become to Steve Borthwick’s side with stacked 10 and 15 jersey options.
19. Jac Morgan (Wales)
Another week, another relentless display from Jac Morgan. Wales’ captain continues to set the benchmark with his tireless work rate, leading his side’s defensive effort once again after topping the tackle count at half-time. The soon to be Gloucester man thought he had crossed for a crucial try, before it was ruled out following a lengthy TMO review, yet he refused to let that disappointment affect his performance. His outstanding hold-up on Pablo Matera during Argentina’s sustained second-half pressure was a defining moment in another wholehearted display despite Wales slipping to defeat.
18. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
Jordie Barrett’s influence extended well beyond the stat sheet as he quietly orchestrated many of New Zealand’s best moments against Italy. Outstanding in the All Blacks’ rush defence, Barrett repeatedly shut down the Azzurri’s attacking opportunities with excellent timing and physicality. In attack, he regained a crucial restart, produced the clever grubber that created Will Jordan’s opening try and later fired the wide pass that sent the Crusaders winger over again. It was another reminder that Barrett remains one of the most complete midfielders in world rugby, as he returned home following his latest Super Rugby title triumph.
17. Handré Pollard (South Africa)
Handré Pollard put the doubters to bed in emphatic fashion with a commanding Player of the Match performance against Scotland. After questions surrounded his selection following an inconsistent club campaign with the Bulls and with hot-spark out-halves chomping at his heels, the veteran linchpin controlled proceedings with his kicking game, dominated aerial contests and remained flawless from the tee. Even a brief injury scare failed to slow him down as he slotted into the midfield before returning to fly-half duties. South Africa’s greatest ever fly half proved invaluable throughout.
16. Cam Roigard (New Zealand)
Few players dictate the rhythm of a match quite like Cam Roigard at the moment. After leading all players for passes in Round One, the All Blacks scrum-half somehow raised the bar again, delivering 63 passes before half-time alone as New Zealand relentlessly attacked Italy at his home ground in Wellington. Roigard constantly looked to inject speed around the breakdown, as the Hurricanes man resisited the temptation to overuse his kicking game and instead kept defenders under pressure with quick service and sharp decision-making. The All Blacks’ attack continues to revolve around his influence as momentum builds for the blockbuster tour of South Africa.
15. Romain Ntamack (France)
Romain Ntamack’s long-awaited return to Test rugby could hardly have gone better. The Toulouse playmaker looked completely at home back in the French 10 jersey, and earned himself Player of the Match honours after scoring one try and creating another in a superb display. More impressive still was the authority with which he marshalled France’s attack after the break, combining brilliantly alongside new-found full-back Matthieu Jalibert and scrum half maestro Maxime Lucu, as Les Bleus overwhelmed Australia. It was a timely reminder that France possess a third world-class No.10 capable of controlling the biggest occasions.
14. Santiago Carreras (Argentina)
Santiago Carreras was at the heart of everything dangerous Argentina produced against Wales. The Bath play-maker constantly threatened with ball in hand, launching several incisive counter-attacks and using his footwork to repeatedly unsettle the Welsh defence. He deservedly crossed for Los Pumas’ opening try and remained influential throughout their win, while his assured work under the high ball and disciplined defensive positioning prevented Wales from creating opportunities out wide. It was another polished display from one of Argentina’s most complete backs who continues his fiery run of form.
13. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Pieter-Steph du Toit delivered another colossal performance while captaining the Springboks in Siya Kolisi’s continued absence. After shifting into the second row last week, the former World Rugby Player of the Year returned to his preferred back-row role without missing a beat. He led South Africa’s defensive effort, dominated the line-out as their primary green and gold target and seemed to appear at every breakdown across the park. Du Toit rarely produces anything less than excellence, and this was yet another display built on relentless effort and remarkable versatility.
12. Fraser McReight (Australia)
Fraser McReight continues to strengthen his claim as the world’s premier flanker. The Wallabies star produced another complete performance for his country, crossing twice in the first half while once again being a thorn in his opponents side at the breakdown. His standout contribution came in defence, where he won a desperate foot race with Matthieu Jalibert to deny what looked a certain French try, before immediately turning defence into attack to send the crowd into a frenzy. Tireless, instinctive and clinical around the ball, the Wallabies skipper was once again Australia’s driving force.
11. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Finn Russell showed why he remains one of the game’s most gifted play-makers, with a stunning return to top form against the World Champions. Scotland’s attack consistently flowed through the Bath fly-half, whose vision and passing unlocked opportunities across the park and kept his side firmly in the contest. Whether creating space with clever distribution or manipulating defenders with his running threat, Russell was central to almost every dangerous Scottish attack. He also delivered from the kicking tee, calmly landing four conversions to cap another influential international performance.
10. Matthieu Jalibert (France)
Fabien Galthié’s bold decision to deploy Matthieu Jalibert at full-back raised eyebrows in the build-up, yet it paid handsome dividends as the French playmaker tore Australia apart alongside Romain Ntamack. The dual playmaking system gave the Wallabies endless headaches, with Jalibert’s running threat, tactical kicking and vision stretching the defensive line throughout the contest. Time and again he found space where none appeared to exist, helping France seize control after the half-time break. The performance proved Les Bleus no longer need to choose between two world-class No.10s—they can unleash both at next year’s 2027 Rugby World Cup.
9. Jack Conan (Ireland)
Jack Conan’s experience proved invaluable in what was an otherwise frustrating afternoon for Ireland. Shifting seamlessly from No.8 to blindside flanker, the Leinster veteran took charge of the back row, constantly communicating with those around him while helping debutant Sean Jansen settle into the Test rugby stage. His breakdown work was typically outstanding, producing a pair of key turnovers inside the opening half, while his relentless carrying and work rate ensured Ireland’s loose forwards remained one of the few bright spots despite the team’s below-par display against Japan.
8. Fin Smith (England)
Fin Smith continues to grow into England’s chief playmaker in George Ford’s absence, as he produced a composed and inventive display against Fiji. His tactical kicking repeatedly opened up the visitors, whether through pinpoint cross-field kicks towards Tommy Freeman or the fortunate strike that cannoned off the upright for Marcus Smith’s opening try. Defensively he was equally committed, producing a crunching tackle on Kalaveti Ravouvou, while his goal-kicking remained dependable throughout. It was another mature performance that deservedly earned him the Player of the Match award in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
7. Joaquin Oviedo (Argentina)
Wales simply had no answer to Joaquin Oviedo’s relentless ball carrying. The powerful Pumas No.8 repeatedly smashed through contact, winning the gain line on the overwhelming majority of his 20 carries and setting the platform for Argentina’s attack. He crossed the whitewash twice, with both tries coming from trademark surges that showcased his power and determination close to the line. Every time Los Pumas needed momentum, Oviedo seemed to provide it, producing one of the most physically dominant individual performances of the weekend.
6. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Sione Tuipulotu was awe-inspiring in another lung-busting display as Scotland captain. The powerful midfielder repeatedly bent Argentina’s defensive line with aggressive carries, finishing with a match-high 72 running metres from 14 carries and adding two clean breaks for good measure. Beyond the numbers, Tuipulotu’s leadership and willingness to shoulder responsibility set the tone throughout the 80 minutes. Whenever Scotland needed someone to spark the attack or carry through heavy traffic, their skipper answered the call with authority, in what was a stunning effort from the Glasgow Warriors man against the revered Springboks.
5. Embrose Papier (South Africa)
Embrose Papier marked his long-awaited Test return with a performance that reminded everyone of his immense quality. Playing his first international since 2018, the Bulls scrum-half lit up the contest with a dazzling solo try much like his world-class efforts that earned him a spot in the URC Team of the Season. Papier sliced through Scotland’s defence and left both Fagerson brothers grasping at thin air. His service was sharp, his tactical kicking consistently pinned the Scots back and he controlled the tempo superbly in the nine shirt. After years away from the Springboks, Papier could hardly have scripted a better comeback than in front of his home Pretorian fans at Loftus Versfeld.
4. Maxime Lucu (France)
Maxime Lucu continues to prove he is far more than just Antoine Dupont’s deputy. Captaining France once again as Dupont stays at home with an injury enforced absence, the scrum-half controlled proceedings with trademark composure. Lucu set up two tries while excelling with both his tactical kicking and goal-kicking. Even during Australia’s brightest periods, Lucu remained calm, making smart decisions that gradually wrestled momentum back in France’s favour. Dupont may reclaim the No.9 jersey when fit for the Rugby World Cup, but Lucu’s consistently elite performances ensure Les Bleus remain in exceptionally safe hands.
3. Sean Jansen (Ireland)
Sean Jansen could scarcely have dreamed of a better introduction to Test rugby upon his Ireland debut. The Connacht forward announced himself with a thunderous opening tackle before repeatedly punching holes through the Japanese defence with powerful carries.
His athleticism was equally impressive, racing in support of Nick Timoney before being hauled down just short, while he eventually earned a deserved maiden Ireland try after another forceful close-range surge. Twelve carries, a tireless work rate and Player of the Match honours capped a dream debut for the New Zealand born star, who follows the likes of James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki from Aotearoa to the green jersey.
2. Henry Pollock (England)
Henry Pollock needed only minutes to transform England’s attack, as the second half became his personal highlights package against Fiji. Introduced from the bench, the young back-rower immediately crossed for a try before adding another with blistering pace and support play.
Every touch brought energy, every carry stretched Fiji’s tiring defence, and he fittingly completed a superb hat-trick with the final play of the match. It was an explosive cameo that changed the contest and surely leaves Steve Borthwick with little choice but to hand Pollock a starting role next week as England travel out to Argentina.
1. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
Will Jordan’s place at the top of this week’s rankings was sealed by a record-breaking afternoon against Italy in Wellington. The All Blacks superstar settled into his work with typical class, scoring before half-time and winning a crucial breakdown penalty against Gonzalo Quesada’s side.
Then came the history-making moment, with two quickfire second-half tries taking him past Doug Howlett’s long-standing New Zealand try-scoring record, as Jordan ran in his 50th All Blacks try in only his 56th cap. When the game opened up, Jordan reminded everyone why he remains rugby’s most lethal finisher, and takes the top spot in this week’s RUCK Power Rankings for the Nations Championship.
