The first leg of the Nations Championship revealed little that wasn’t already known.

South Africa and France have the greatest depth in their hemispheres, Ireland have a dogged determination that keeps them in matches but lack a cutting edge, Scotland and Argentina are striving for consistency and Wales are very slowly climbing the hill.
It was a poor month for Italy who, after losing to Japan and the All Blacks, yesterday failed to provide a test for an Australian team that were looking for their first win in the championship and which remain in need of the Les Kiss of life.
New Zealand achi...