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 17 April 2026
We are committed to finding the best odds for you with the leading rugby betting sites in South Africa
Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Ulster vs Leinster
Tip 1: Ulster to win
Reason for the tip: Ulster host Leinster in what promises to be a high-intensity United Rugby Championship clash, with both sides naming strong lineups despite a few rotational selections. Ulster will look to their experienced core, with Jacob Stockdale and Werner Kok providing attacking threat out wide while the powerful midfield pairing of Stuart McCloskey and James Hume offers direct running and physicality. Captain Iain Henderson leads a solid pack that includes Juarno Augustus and Sean Reffell who will be key at the breakdown.
Leinster, as always, bring depth and structure despite resting some of their Irish stars. The midfield duo of Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw adds class and defensive solidity while young fly-half Sam Prendergast will look to control the tempo. Up front, captain James Ryan leads a disciplined pack with Scott Penny and James Culhane offering mobility and work rate in the back row. This matchup could be decided at the breakdown and in tactical kicking, with both sides capable of exploiting space. Ulster’s home advantage and physical edge may trouble Leinster early, but the visitors’ composure and depth could prove decisive in tight contests. I am backing the home side to come away with a hard fought victory.
Blues vs Highlanders
Tip 1: Blues to win
Reason for the tip: The Blues take on the Highlanders in a compelling Super Rugby Pacific clash, with both sides boasting a mix of power and attacking flair. The Blues look strong on paper, led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu in the engine room while the back row trio of Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, and Hoskins Sotutu provides a perfect balance of physicality and mobility. In the backs, Beauden Barrett is the key playmaker, bringing experience and game management while AJ Lam and Cole Forbes offer strike power out wide although they will miss star winger Caleb Clarke who is on rest duty.
The Highlanders are more than capable of causing an upset with their impressive front row, anchored by Ethan de Groot and Angus Ta’avao, will look to challenge the Blues at scrum time. The loose trio of Sean Withy and Veveni Lasaqa brings energy at the breakdown while the midfield pairing of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Taniela Tele’a offers direct running and creativity. Wingers like Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau add real finishing ability. This match could be decided by tempo and execution. If the Blues control possession and allow Barrett to dictate play they should create enough opportunities to come away with the win although the match could go down to the wire.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Edinburgh vs Zebre: Home team (-17.5)
Reason for tip: Edinburgh welcome Zebre Parma in a United Rugby Championship clash where the hosts will be aiming to assert dominance, particularly at home. Both teams are out of contention for a playoff spot, so there is bound to be plenty of running rugby. The home side boast experienced figures like Grant Gilchrist leading the side, Edinburgh have a solid platform up front with Scottish international occupying the front row while the backline carries plenty of attacking intent. Darcy Graham remains a constant threat on the wing while the midfield combination of Mosese Tuipulotu and Findlay Thomson offers a mix of power and creativity. Ross Thompson at fly-half will be key in controlling territory and dictating the tempo.
Zebre Parma have shown improvement as the season progressed and won’t be pushovers although they have rotated their squad. Captain Giovanni Licata leads a hardworking pack while the experienced Luca Morisi adds quality in midfield. Their back three, including Jacopo Trulla and Simone Gesi, can be dangerous in open play if given space. The game is likely to be decided in the forwards, where Edinburgh’s physicality and set-piece strength should give them the edge. If they can dominate possession and limit errors, they should control the contest. I am backing the home team to win and cover the -17.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Dragons vs Bulls- Away win
- Blues vs Highlanders- Home win
- Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika- Home win
- Ulster vs Leinster-Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Bordeaux vs Toulouse- Home win✅
- Benetton vs Exeter Chiefs- Away win✅
- Canada(W) vs Australia(W)- Home win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Stormers vs Connacht
- Ospreys vs Sharks
- Lions vs Glasgow Warriors
- Chiefs vs Hurricanes
- Brumbies vs Drua
- Force vs Crusaders
- Benetton vs Munster
- Scarlets vs Cardiff
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.
