We are weeks away from the 2025 Quilter Nations Series’ first kick off, and the excitement is building. Squads are being named, star players selected, and questions are being asked if anyone can go unbeaten. Fifteen countries are taking part in the series, including Tier 2 sides Chile, Tonga, and America, alongside the rugby giants of New Zealand, Ireland, and, the World Champions, South Africa.
The Home Nations have tough battles but will look to try to gain some victories against some of the most brutal opponents possible. On paper, Wales have the toughest run of fixtures; facing all four Rugby Championship sides, as well as Japan. England face Argentina, Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia, while Scotland take on the USA, New Zealand, and Tonga.
Ireland battle the All-Blacks in Chicago for a second time, the first being a triumphant victory for the men in green, as well as Japan, Australia, and the World Champions. Who will go unbeaten? Perhaps the All-Blacks; Scott Robertson’s men tend to perform well under pressure.
Alongside this, the threat of Ardie Savea at the breakdown has provided crucial turnovers that could be vital in victory. The All-Blacks have seen a return to dynamic kicking games, as well as using passing to open space into wide channels, carving up defences, and scoring wonder-tries. All this combines into New Zealand being a tough side to beat.
France have also performed well. Winning the Six Nations will provide some confidence going into the series. Fabian Galthie’s side will have one match in focus: South Africa.
A repeat of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final played back on the same pitch. The French will also look to dominate Fiji and defeat Australia and so have a good chance of coming home without loss. Ireland’s form has been noticeably poor; a below-par Six Nations alongside an ageing squad does not help their chances.
That said, Andy Farrell’s time coaching the Lions may have sparked new ideas and playstyles. If Ireland can conquer the Boks and repeat their performance at Soldier Field against the All-Blacks, they have a strong chance of going unbeaten. England’s chances are not too bad, but they have tough opponents.
Australia, arguably at a lower form managed to steal a last-minute win in their fixture in their previous matchup; and the All-Blacks are relentless, with England having only beaten them last in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Semi Final in Japan, the score 19–7. Fiji may seem an easy task, but they thrive in broken spaces and managed to win at Twickenham in 2023. Steve Borthwick has a tough job to do with his side, but this team is talented enough to win games here.
The Springboks have looked shaky at times but can definitely win all five fixtures. They seem quite hit-and-miss. Are there channels to exploit?
Potentially, but the speed of the defence is too fast. In particular, Canan Moodie’s defensive reading has improved drastically over the past year and he now looks to be as good in the channel as Jesse Kriel. The Boks’ depth is also one of a kind; only Les Bleus come close.
Sacha Feinberg- Mngomezulu has exploded onto the scene, and although this is his second year of international rugby, his game has reached even higher levels and he is improving further. If he performs at his absolute best, the Boks will be unplayable thanks to his playmaking. If the Boks can take on Ireland successfully, as well as beat the French at Stade Français, there is no doubt that they will go unbeaten.
As the Quilter Nations Series approaches, I cannot be more excited. International, cross-hemisphere rugby is back, who will take it all? Will Wales surprise us?
Will the World Champions show themselves as even better than they were last year, or will a Tier 2 side jump at us? All eyes will be on November 1st to see how events unfold.