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 for FRIDAY 01 May 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Waratahs(Win)(1.45 odds) vs Western Force
Tip 1: Waratahs to win
Reason for the tip: The Waratahs take on the Western Force in a crucial Super Rugby Pacific encounter with both sides still firmly in the hunt for valuable playoff points. The matches between these sides tend to go down to the wire and this contest promises the same. The Waratahs boast an exciting backline, headlined by Max Jorgensen at fullback and the returning Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in midfield. Andrew Kellaway adds experience and finishing ability out wide while Jake Gordon’s leadership at scrumhalf will be key in controlling tempo. Up front, captain Matt Philip leads a solid pack with Pete Samu providing pace and power from the base of the scrum.
The Western Force arrive with a well-balanced side featuring attacking threats across the park. Ben Donaldson will look to dictate play at flyhalf, while the back three of Mac Grealy, Zac Lomax and Dylan Pietsch offers pace and counter-attacking danger. The pack, led by Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain, has the physicality to challenge the Waratahs at set piece and breakdown. If the home side can manage to match the visitors up front, then their superior backline will see them to an eight point victory.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Hurricanes vs Crusaders- Home (-11.5)1.81
Reason for tip:The Hurricanes face the Crusaders in an all NZ Super Rugby Pacific clash, with both teams firmly locked in the race for crucial playoff points. Each match becomes vitally important as the competition approaches the business end. The home side lead the table and boast an exciting and well-balanced lineup, with Jordie Barrett providing leadership and class in midfield while Cam Roigard’s tempo at scrumhalf will be key to unlocking the Crusaders’ defence. Ruben Love at flyhalf has been superb as the catalyst of most attacks. The power forward pack features Du’Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai who both bring energy and physicality at the breakdown.
The Crusaders are still without injured star Will Jordan, which slightly blunts their attacking edge. They desperately need a win or else risk missing out on the playoffs. They remain dangerous, with David Havili captaining a backline that includes Braydon Ennor and Dallas McLeod Leicester Fainga’anuku, both capable of breaking games open. Up front, Ethan Blackadder and Leicester Fainga’anuku will lead the physical battle. Local derby’s are always physical but the superior attack of the home side will see them to victory and I am tipping them to cover the -11.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Waratahs vs Western Force- Home win
- Hurricanes vs Crusaders- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Griquas vs Pumas- Home win✅
- Toulouse vs Clermont- Home win❌
- Chiefs vs Fijian Drua- Home win✅
- Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika- Home win✅
- Gloucester vs Exeter Chiefs- Away win❌
Rugby tomorrow
- Moana vs Blues
- Fijian Drua vs Highlanders
- Reds vs Brumbies
- Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs
- Leinster vs Toulon
- Toyota Verblitz vs Suntory Sungoliath
- Griquas vs SWD
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.
