Our TopBets, rugby experts will provide you with the latest rugby predictions on rugby from across the globe. The emphasis will be on the major leagues like the United Rugby Championship (URC), Super Rugby and of course our very own local Currie Cup. You can be assured all the big rugby this weekend will be previewed on this page.
Rugby Predictions Saturday 25 July 2026
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No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Lions(WIN) 1.50 odds vs Pumas
Tip 1: Lions to win
Reason for the tip: The Lions and Pumas will both be desperate to open their Currie Cup after losing their opening round matches. Both sides know another loss would leave them playing catch-up early in the competition and make qualifying for the knockout stage very difficult. The Lions were beaten away from home, while the Pumas endured the disappointment of losing in front of their own supporters.
The Lions will look to captain Ruan Delport to inspire the pack, while the experienced backline featuring Rabz Maxwane, Rynhardt Jonker and Sam Francis has the quality to create scoring opportunities. Scrumhalf Zian Cilliers will be tasked with providing quick ball and controlling the tempo of the match. The Pumas, led by captain Willie Engelbrecht, have named a physical forward pack capable of matching the Lions at the breakdown. They will need an improvement at scrum time as they were bossed by a young Sharks front row. Home ground advantage will be the deciding factor therefore I am predicting a Lions win.
Griquas(WIN) 1.40 odds vs Bulls
Tip 2: Griquas to win
Reason for the tip: Griquas and the Bulls will both be chasing their first victory of the Currie Cup season when they meet in the second round. Both sides suffered defeats in the opening round and need improvement if they are to break their duck. The hosts will once again rely on the experience of captain Albert Liebenberg to lead the forward pack, while veteran flyhalf George Whitehead will be responsible for launching the backline that includes speedsters Gurswin Wehr and Dylan Maart. Bobby Alexander’s service from scrumhalf will also be crucial in maintaining attacking momentum.
The Bulls have named an athletic side captained by Nama Xaba, with Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg adding valuable experience to the second row. Keagan Johannes and Brooklyn Newman will direct the visitors’ attack, while Devon Williams and Riyaad Bam provide plenty of pace and finishing ability out wide. The defending champions on their own turf are a different kettle of fish as their attacking brand of rugby will be too much for the Bulls to handle therefore I predict a home win.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos(WIN) 1.70 odds
Tip 3: Broncos to win
Reason for the tip: The North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos renew one of the oldest rivalries in the NRL. Both teams are desperate for a crucial victory as the race for the finals reaches a crucial stage. More than a decade after their unforgettable 2015 Grand Final, these Queensland rivals continue to produce fiercely contested encounters whenever they meet.
The Cowboys remain eighth on the ladder despite last week’s disappointing defeat to the Dolphins, but they have suffered a major setback with star playmaker Tom Dearden ruled out through injury. Jake Clifford is expected to take control of the attack, while experienced campaigners Scott Drinkwater, Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter will need to shoulder greater responsibility. The return of prop Thomas Mikaele also strengthens the forward pack.
The Broncos kept their finals hopes alive with an impressive victory over the competition leaders last weekend and will arrive full of confidence. Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam provide one of the league’s most dangerous halves combinations, while Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Reece Walsh give the defending premiers match-winning quality across the park. The loss of Tom Dearden will prove decisive as I am tipping the Broncos for the win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
SWD vs Valke: Home team(-14.5)1.78 odds
Reason for tip:The Currie Cup First Division title will be on the line when SWD Eagles and the Valke clash in a mouthwatering final. SWD will be banking on home advantage and the guidance of former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. Xavier Swartbooi from scrumhalf will be tasked to control the game while Flyhalf Divan du Toit has to link up his dangerous backline. The experienced midfield pairing of Rune Lucas and Niel Beukes will look to create opportunities for dangerous outside backs Nathan Meilhon and Ulrich Wahl.
The Valke arrive with plenty of confidence after thrashing EP in the semi final. Captain Mihlali Stamper will need to lead from the front if they are to beat SWD at their fortress. Their backline boasts exciting attacking threats in Sergio Stalmeester, Ilunga Mukendi and Adrian Joubert, while scrumhalf Luciano Elias and flyhalf Zander van der Merwe will be responsible for dictating play. The power of the home side’s pack and rolling maul in particular makes me predict a SWD victory. I am also tipping them to cover the -14.5 handicap.
Leigh Centurions vs Warrington Wolves: Home team(-5.5)1.91 odds
Reason for tip:Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves meet in this Super League clash. Both sides will be desperate for the win as the season is reaching the high-pressure stage. With plenty of quality on display across both squads, the match is set to be an exciting display of attacking rugby. Leigh has been boosted by the return of experienced forwards Joe Ofahengaue and Robbie Mulhern who add extra power to their pack. Lachlan Lam remains the key playmaker and will combine with hooker Edwin Ipape to control the tempo, while the experienced Josh Charnley and Umyla Hanley provide dangerous finishing ability out wide.
Warrington arrives with a strong squad featuring the experienced halves combination of Marc Sneyd and Danny Walker, while Toby King and Matty Ashton offer plenty of attacking threat in the backline. Captain Ben Currie and James Harrison will be expected to lead the forward effort against a physical Leigh pack. The return of key personnel for the Leopards makes me predict a home win. I am also tipping them to cover the -5.5 handicap.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors: Home team(+4.5)1.91 odds
Reason for tip: The Canterbury Bulldogs will be desperate for victory when they host the New Zealand Warriors in a high-octane contest. Both sides have been in good form with the hosts winning three of the last four matches while the visitors have only lost one of their last five matches. The Bulldogs have been boosted by the return of captain Stephen Crichton after he was rested last week, while star back-rower Viliame Kikau also returns to the starting side after making his comeback from injury off the bench. Lachlan Galvin will partner Crichton as they seek to be the catalyst of the attack.
The Warriors have kept faith with the starting side that defeated the Dragons, with James Fisher-Harris, Mitchell Barnett and Wayde Egan leading a physical pack. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin will direct the attack while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remains a constant danger on the wing. The desperation of the home side makes them a dangerous opposition especially as they seek a playoff place. I am tipping the Bulldogs to cover the +4.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers-Home win
- Lions vs Pumas-Home win
- Griquas vs Bulls-Home win
- Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors-Home win
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos-Home win
- Leigh Leopards vs Warrington Wolves-Home win
- Toulouse Olympique vs Catalans Dragons-Away win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Cheetahs vs Sharks-Home win✅
- Wakefield Trinity vs Castleford-Home win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Boland vs Stormers
- Leeds vs Bradford
Understanding Rugby Betting
It is crucial that players understand the different types of rugby betting. If a player places a wager on a handicap bet with fully understanding it, he could think they won the bet but instead they lost the bet as they did not understand how it works. Our rugby predictions will give you the option of the three way bet or the handicap betting as our previews will focus on this.
Different types of Rugby bets
Match Winner
The most self-explanatory of bets to take on a rugby match. This is the most common and oldest type of rugby bet in which you select Team A or Team B to win. The odds on this type of bet may be low especially if your team is the favourite.
Draw No Bet
The draw is quite rare in Rugby Union, but it does happen from time to time. If you’re worried about the draw messing up your bet then take a Draw No Bet market. Your bet will be refunded if the match result ends in a draw.
Handicap Betting
The most popular bets on rugby are handicap bets. This is often where some of the best value is to be found. The handicap is an advantage that bookmakers give one team to make the game more balanced. The team given the positive handicap can win, draw or lose the game by less than the handicap to cover the bet and win. The team with the negative handicap must win the match by more than the points set out in the handicap to win their bet.
Total points over/under
The over/under betting market involves predicting whether the total number of points scored in a match will be above or lower than a certain predetermined number. For instance, if you bet on the over/under 50 points market and you bet on under, the combined score of the two teams shouldn’t exceed 50.
First Try Scorer
Rugby fans know the excitement that comes when a player breaks through the defence to score the first try. Betting on the first-try scorer is about predicting which player from either team will cross the try line first. This bet type carries higher odds as it’s challenging to predict, making potential payouts more lucrative.
Anytime Try Scorer
Less specific than the first-try scorer bet, the anytime try scorer wager involves picking a player you believe will score a try at any point during the match. The odds are typically lower than for the first-try scorer but offer a better chance of a payout.
FAQs
1 How long is a game of rugby?
A game of rugby is 80 minutes
2. How many players are there on a rugby team?
There are 15 players a side except in Rugby 7s where there are 5 players a side.
3. Where to watch rugby live?
Most of the rugby matches in South Africa can be watched live on Supersport. Betting sites like Betway and WSB offer live streaming on selected matches.
4. How to stream live rugby in South Africa for free?
Rugby Pass offers free streaming of selected matches.
