Rugby Predictions Today

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. All the major international tournaments such as the Rugby Championships and the Six Nations will also be covered with our team providing rugby betting tips. You can be assured all the big rugby this weekend will be previewed on this page.

Rugby Predictions for FRIDAY 27 February 2026

We are committed to finding the best odds for you with the leading rugby betting sites in South Africa 

Latest Betway Rugby odds 

1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today

Moana Pasifika vs Force 

Tip 1: Force to win 

Reason for the tip: Moana Pasifika host the Western Force in what promises to be a physical and entertaining Super Rugby Pacific clash. The home side will look to use their powerful forward pack to set the tone early, with captain Miracle Faiilagi leading from the back row alongside Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa. In the backs, Ngani Laumape brings experience and direct running in midfield, while Patrick Pellegrini and Jonathan Taumateine will aim to control territory and tempo.

The Western Force arrive on the back of two defeats which makes them very dangerous. Jeremy Williams captains the side from blindside flank, supported by the work rate of Carlo Tizzano and the physical presence of Darcy Swain in the second row. In the backline, Ben Donaldson’s game management at flyhalf will be crucial, while outside backs Mac Grealy and Darby Lancaster provide attacking spark. The inclusion of Kurtley Beale on the bench offers valuable experience and impact late in the match. The home side have selected their strongest team but will miss the reliability of William Havili who is out with concussion. The desperation of the Force team makes me back them for the win but they will need to improve their defence. 

Reds vs Highlanders 

Tip 2: Highlanders to win 

Reason for the tip: The Reds take on the Highlanders in what shapes as a high-tempo Super Rugby Pacific contest between two sides packed with attacking threats. The home side will look to build around the leadership of Fraser McReight, whose work at the breakdown will be crucial against a combative Highlanders loose trio. Harry Wilson’s ball-carrying at No.8 and the physical presence of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto add punch up front, while Carter Gordon’s control at flyhalf will guide a dangerous backline featuring Hunter Paisami and the electric Tim Ryan out wide. There are plenty of changes after the bye weekend so the players could be a little rusty.

The Highlanders arrive with a strong forward platform led by co-captain Sean Withy and powerful prop Ethan de Groot. Their backline offers flair and unpredictability, with Timoci Tavatavanawai providing impact in midfield and Jona Nareki a constant threat on the wing. Cameron Millar’s game management will be key in steering territory and keeping the Reds under pressure.Both benches offer genuine firepower, with Filipo Daugunu set to provide late spark for the Reds and Folau Fakatava capable of lifting the Highlanders’ tempo. The Highlanders will be looking to avenge a 31-0 drubbing they received the last time they played at this venue therefore I am backing them for the win. 

Rugby Handicap Betting

Handicap Betting Tips for Today

Cardiff vs Leinster: Home team (+7.5)

Reason for tip: Cardiff welcome Leinster in a fascinating clash that pits Welsh grit against Irish depth and attacking quality. The hosts will rely on the control of Callum Sheedy at flyhalf and the experience of Aled Davies at scrumhalf to manage territory and tempo. In midfield, Ben Thomas and Harri Millard will look to create space for the powerful Mason Grady, while Taine Basham’s energy at No.8 adds dynamism to the forward pack. Cardiff’s success could hinge on their set-piece stability and their ability to slow Leinster’s quick ball.

Leinster arrive with a strong and well-balanced lineup, captained by Max Deegan in the back row. The inclusion of Robbie Henshaw and Rieko Ioane in midfield provides both physicality and cutting edge, while Harry Byrne will aim to dictate play with an accurate kicking game. Up front, Scott Penny’s breakdown threat and the impact of RG Snyman off the bench could prove decisive.Cardiff will be looking for a fast start so they can put the visitors under pressure. I think Leinster will come away with the win but I am backing Cardiff to cover the +7.5 handicap. 

Rugby fixtures this weekend

Accumulator of the Day 

• Moana Pasifika vs Force- Away win
• Reds vs Highlanders- Away win
• Cardiff vs Leinster- Away win
• Edinburgh vs Scarlets- Home win

Rugby Results Yesterday

• France vs Italy- Home win✅
• Crusaders vs Brumbies- Home win❌
• Suntory Sungoliath vs Canon Eagles-Home win✅

Rugby tomorrow

• Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes
• Chiefs vs Crusaders
• Brumbies vs Blues
• Lions vs Stormers
• Bulls vs Sharks
• Dragons vs Benetton
• Munster vs Zebre

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.