The inaugural Nations Championship got off to a spectacular start, with all six opening-round matches delivering drama, points and plenty of talking points.
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Every result from Nations Championship Week One:
New Zealand 34-32 France
Japan 27-10 Italy
Australia 31-33 Ireland
Fiji 24-39 Wales
South Africa 45-21 England
Argentina 38-47 Scotland
There were just two points between New Zealand and France, Ireland snatched a thrilling victory in Australia, while Scotland emerged from a 47-38 shootout against Argentina.
Elsewhere, Japan stunned Italy, Wales pulled clear late on to beat Fiji and world champions South Africa handed England a bruising defeat at Ellis Park.
But while plenty of players enhanced their reputations, others endured opening weekends they will want to forget.
Here are six players who flopped in Nations Championship Week One.
Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
With the experiment of using him as an international full-back seemingly over, the Bristol Bears star returned to the wing against Fiji.
However, his comeback to the outside channels did not go to plan. Rees-Zammit received a brutal welcome back when he was driven into touch by both Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Frank Lomani.
Compared to the rest of the Welsh backline, the speedster was unusually quiet and struggled to impose himself on the contest.
Wales eventually ran in six tries to claim a 39-24 victory, but Rees-Zammit will know much more is required ahead of tougher Tests against Argentina and South Africa.
Rees Zammit having an absolute stinker so far! Get Ellis Mee on!
— Raj (@raj_2406) July 4, 2026
Demba Bamba (France)
You are never going to become a consistent Test player if you cannot hold your own at scrum time, and that remains the biggest concern surrounding Bamba.
The France tighthead endured a torrid afternoon against New Zealand, conceding penalties at the set-piece as the All Blacks gradually gained the upper hand.
He was also guilty of a needless infringement in the loose during a performance littered with mistakes.
RugbyPass handed Bamba a 4.5/10, while his opposite number Ethan de Groot was praised for his work against the French prop.
Demba Bamba écope de la pire note du match des Bleus https://t.co/Bc4flXN1cx
— blog-rct.com (@Blog_RCT) July 4, 2026