The wait is almost over.
The 2026 Nations Championship returns on Friday 6 November, bringing together the best teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in a competition that culminates with a Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham at the end of the month.
While coaches and supporters will have their own opinions on who is peaking at the perfect time, Oval Insights have used the latest form data to offer an intriguing guide to the players making the biggest impact heading into the decisive Northern Series leg of the tournament. Using performances from the last 60 days, eligible players who have featured at least four times and been selected in their national squad have been ranked on the average rating from their most recent matches.
The result is two star-studded Form XVs packed with established internationals, emerging talents and several players arriving with serious momentum.
Northern Hemisphere powered by familiar leaders
The Northern Hemisphere front row is anchored by an all-England combination. Loosehead prop Beno Obano earns selection after averaging 7.5 across his last five outings, while hooker Kepu Tuipulotu impressed with a standout 9.1-rated display against Northampton Saints among a run of strong performances. Tighthead Joe Heyes completes the trio. Together they provide a powerful platform for a pack featuring some of the competition’s biggest names.
If one player embodies consistency heading into the tournament, it is Maro Itoje. The England captain tops the northern pack with an average rating of 8.2 from his last five appearances, underlining why he remains one of world rugby's most influential figures.
Alongside him is Teddy Williams, with the Wales lock continuing to build a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting second-row prospects.
The back row features a significant Welsh influence. Jac Morgan – whose industrious work rate has become his trademark – boasts an average rating of 8.1, while fellow Welsh international Taine Basham also earns a place. France's Cameron Woki completes a mobile, athletic loose-forward trio.
Behind the scrum, France provide the attacking spark. Scrum-half Maxime Lucu is the highest-rated northern back at 8.3, while fly-half Antoine Hastoy pulls the strings outside him.
Out wide, there is plenty of excitement. Scotland’s Jamie Dobie (who moves between wing and scrum-half for Glasgow) features alongside the electric Louis Bielle-Biarrey, while versatile French back Theo Attissogbe completes the back three.
Southern Hemisphere loaded with firepower
The southern selection may be even more intimidating.
Fresh from another standout campaign, South Africa prop Ntuthuko Mchunu tops all forwards with a remarkable average rating of 8.3, while Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx continues to set the standard at the breakdown.
The back row features three players widely regarded as among the best forwards in the game. Peter Lakai of New Zealand, Fraser McReight of Australia and All Blacks sensation Wallace Sititi bring dynamism and attacking threat in equal measure.
At scrum-half, Cam Roigard arrives in outstanding fettle with an average rating of 8.1 and looks set to have a significant influence on the All Blacks’ campaign. Outside him, World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard provides the experience and game management every contender craves.
The southern backline is completed by some of rugby's most dangerous runners. Fiji pair Jiuta Wainiqolo and Josua Tuisova are included, Argentina centre Justo Piccardo posts the highest backline rating of any player across both teams with 8.4, while Kiwi Damian McKenzie offers his trademark unpredictability from full-back.
North v South battle takes shape
The statistics suggest there is little to choose between the two hemispheres.
The North can point to the leadership of Itoje, the influence of Morgan and the creativity of Lucu. The South counters with the physicality of Marx, the attacking threat of Roigard and a backline packed with game-breakers.
The opening weekend will help determine the standings heading into Finals Weekend, where silverware and hemisphere bragging rights will ultimately be decided at Twickenham. If these Form XVs are any indication, supporters can expect a mouth-watering showcase of the players arriving in November at the peak of their powers.
