The Nations Championship played its very first round this weekend, and the duel between the hemispheres produced a perfect draw: three wins for the south, three for the north. Between France’s battle in Christchurch, the South African demonstration and the Japanese surprise, here is a run-through of all six matches.

New Zealand 34-32 France

To open the competition, a much-changed France side came within two points of a famous win in Christchurch. Despite Damian Penaud’s winning return and four French tries, Dave Rennie’s All Blacks came through thanks to braces from Cam Roigard and Will Jordan. France leave with two bonus points, attacking and losing, before taking on Australia in Brisbane next Saturday.

South Africa 45-21 England

In Johannesburg, the Springboks settled it early: 17-0 inside fifteen minutes, with the power of Thomas du Toit and then the pace of Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. Having eased off before the break, the world champions pulled away in the second half against an England side that could not live with them. A bonus-point win, and the biggest score of the weekend.

Australia 31-33 Ireland

In Sydney, after a breathless see-saw contest, Ireland turned the Wallabies over thanks to a decisive Sam Prendergast conversion. A sixth consecutive Irish win over Australia, who will need to react quickly: they host France next weekend.

Argentina 38-47 Scotland

The wildest match of the round. In Cordoba, in a twelve-try game, Scotland produced the north’s best performance by winning away to the Pumas, despite a fast Argentine start. Scotland, the only European nation to win in the southern hemisphere this weekend, have made an emphatic start.

Wales 39-24 Fiji

In Cardiff, where Fiji are playing their “home” fixtures, the Flying Fijians set the tone as early as the 4th minute through Hoskins Sowakula and troubled Wales for long spells. But the more patient Welsh made the difference in the final quarter.

Italy 10-27 Japan

The surprise of the weekend. Despite an early Juan Ignacio Brex try, Italy were smothered by a Brave Blossoms side that was more aggressive at the contact area and far more accurate. Japan open their campaign in ideal fashion and confirm they will be a factor, before hosting France on 18 July.

The bottom line: 3-3 between the hemispheres

On the final count, the established order wobbled without falling: New Zealand, South Africa and Japan defended the south, while Ireland, Scotland and Wales saved the north’s honour. France and England, beaten at the two southern giants, will have to respond in round two.