South Africa and New Zealand level before Nations Championship tests

The inaugural Nations Championship enters its November stage with South Africa and New Zealand tied on 15 points after each won all three of their July matches, setting up a contest for the Southern Hemisphere’s top position and a place in the title final. The 12-team competition divides nations into Northern and Southern Hemisphere groups. Each team plays three opponents from the other hemisphere in July and three more in November, with standings determining cross-hemisphere matchups during finals weekend in London from November 27 to 29. The teams finishing first in each hemisphere will meet for the championship. South Africa’s July victories came against England, Scotland and Wales. New Zealand also collected three wins, against France, Italy and Ireland. The two teams’ November results will determine which finishes first in the Southern Hemisphere standings. South Africa is scheduled to play Italy on November 7, France on November 13 and Ireland on November 21. South Africa must finish first in its hemisphere to reach the title final, according to the tournament permutations reported for the team. A loss to France or Ireland could allow New Zealand to move ahead, although...