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 SATURDAY 02 May 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Fijian Drua(W)1.54 odds vs Highlanders
Tip 1: Drua to win
Reason for the tip: Fijian Drua host the Highlanders in what promises to be an electrifying Super Rugby Pacific clash, especially given the Drua’s formidable home record in the competition. Both teams are still in the running for playoff positions and will see this as a must-win encounter. The home is packed with flair and unpredictability, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula guiding the attack and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa providing quick service at scrumhalf. The inclusion of Virimi Vakatawa in midfield adds experience and power while Joji Nasova and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre bring pace and finishing ability out wide. Their forward pack, led by Elia Canakaivata and Kitione Salawa offer physicality and offloading in broken play.
The Highlanders bring structure and set-piece strength with Ethan de Groot anchoring the scrum while Folau Fakatava and Cameron Millar will look to control territory. The backline features dangerous runners like Tanielu Tele’a and Jonah Lowe, capable of exploiting defensive lapses. The man that holds the key for the visitors is Fijian born Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai. The midfielder is super dangerous with the ball in hand but it is his turnover ability that sets him apart. I am backing the Fijians to come away with a narrow victory.
Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs(W) 2.20 odds
Tip 2: Exeter to win
Reason for the tip:.Ulster host Exeter Chiefs in what promises to be a pulsating Challenge Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on the line. Both sides have named strong lineups which should ensure a fiercely contested encounter. Ulster will look to their experienced core, with captain Iain Henderson leading the pack alongside the powerful Juarno Augustus and the hard working Nick Timoney. The halfback pairing of Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy will be key in controlling territory while the backline boasts proven match-winners in Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale. Mike Lowry’s attacking spark from fullback could also prove decisive in broken play.
Exeter Chiefs arrive with a dynamic and well-balanced squad. Captain Dafydd Jenkins anchors a hardworking pack, supported by the athletic Christ Tshiunza and Tom Hooper in the loose forwards. The midfield combination of Henry Slade and Len Ikitau offers creativity and defensive organization, while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso provides a constant threat out wide. He has been in scintillating form and can be deadly even given any space. Harvey Skinner will need to manage the game effectively at flyhalf if his team are to come away with the win. The experience of Exeter playing in European competitions makes me predict an away win.
Reds vs Brumbies(WIN) 2.50 odds
Tip 3: Brumbies to win
Reason for the tip: The Reds take on the Brumbies in a crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash with both sides battling for valuable playoff positioning as the season heats up. The visitors will be desperate to end a slump that has seen them lose their last three matches. The hosts boast a dangerous and well-balanced lineup, led by captain Harry Wilson at No. 8, supported by the tireless Fraser McReight in the back row. Their backline has real attacking threat with Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook forming a strong midfield combination while Filipo Daugunu and Tim Ryan offer pace out wide. Flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips alongside his flyhalf partner Kalani Thomas will need to control territory and bring his dangerous runners into play.
The Brumbies as always have gone full strength for this clash with their traditional rivals. Captain Ryan Lonergan directs play from scrumhalf while Rob Valetini provides go-forward and physical dominance in the loose forwards. The back three of Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead and Corey Toole offers genuine strike power. Their real strength lies in their much vaunted pack with the likes of veteran James Slipper and Nick Frost. I am backing the Reds to add to the Brumbies woes with victory in this match.
Toyota Verblitz(W)1.54 odds vs Suntory Sungoliath
Tip 4: Toyota Verblitz to win
Reason for the tip: Toyota Verblitz face Tokyo Sungoliath in a star-studded Japan Rugby League One clash with both sides boasting plenty of international quality across their lineups. The home side are chasing a top six playoff position and come into this encounter with plenty of firepower, particularly out wide with Mark Telea providing a constant attacking threat. The forward pack, led by Yoshikatsu Hikosaka, has size and experience while the presence of Aaron Smith on the bench offers game-changing impact and control in the latter stages. Players like Isaiah Mapusua and Siosaia Fifita add physicality and direct running through the middle.
Tokyo Sungoliath have lost form at the wrong time of the season and have now lost four matches on the trot. They still possess an incredibly dangerous side packed with world-class talent. Cheslin Kolbe and Kotaro Matsushima form a lethal back three combination, capable of turning any opportunity into points. Captain Sam Cane leads a strong pack, while the bench features Sean McMahon who adds further impact. This game should be fast-paced and attack-heavy, with both teams capable of scoring from anywhere. Sungoliath’s superior depth and explosive backs will see them to a narrow win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Moana vs Blues: Home team (+28.5)(1.90)
Reason for tip:Moana Pasifika take on the Blues in an important Super Rugby Pacific clash as the hosts look for just their second win of the season while the visitors are chasing a playoff berth. Moana Pasifika will look to bring their trademark physicality and flair, led by captain Miracle Faiilagi in the back row. William Havili’s control at flyhalf and Jonathan Taumateine’s tempo at scrumhalf will be key to unlocking the Blues’ defence while powerful runners like Solomon Alaimalo and Tuna Tuitama offer attacking punch out wide. Their forward pack, anchored by Allan Craig and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa will need to match the Blues physically.
The Blues have made several changes for this match but still boast a deeper and more experienced squad. Patrick Tuipulotu leads the pack, with Hoskins Sotutu providing strong ball-carrying at No. 8. The backline is dangerous, with Caleb Clarke offering explosive pace and Stephen Perofeta guiding the attack in his start of the season in the ten jersey. The visitors certainly possess the stronger bench that includes Beauden Barrett, whose impact in the second half could be decisive. I expect the visitors to come away with the win but I tip Moana to cover the +28.5 handicap.
Leinster vs Toulon: Away team (+11.5)(1.90)
Reason for tip: Leinster host RC Toulon in a mouthwatering European Rugby Champions Cup semi-final, with a place in the final at stake and enormous pressure on both sides. This is the kind of heavyweight European clash that often defines seasons. The home side have unsurprisingly have named a near full-strength lineup packed with international class. The backline features the creativity of Hugo Keenan and Garry Ringrose while the inclusion of Rieko Ioane on the wing adds a dangerous attacking dimension. The halfback pairing of Jamison Gibson-Park and Harry Byrne will control tempo while captain Caelan Doris leads a powerful pack alongside Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan, James Ryan, and Joe McCarthy. Their bench is equally strong, with Sam Prendergast and Jamie Osborne capable of making a decisive impact.
Toulon arrive with plenty of firepower of their own. Melvyn Jaminet offers attacking threat from fullback while Ben White and Tomas Albornoz provide control and tempo. The latter is capable of changing a match with his brilliant running if he is given any space. Up front, the experience of Charles Ollivon, David Ribbans and Kyle Sinckler gives Toulon the physical edge needed to challenge Leinster. I am expecting Leinster to come away with a hard fought win but I tip the French side to cover the +11.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Moana vs Blues- Away win
- Fijian Drua vs Highlanders- Home win
- Reds vs Brumbies- Home win
- Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs- Home win
- Leinster vs Toulon- Home win
- Toyota Verblitz vs Suntory Sungoliath- Home win
- Griquas vs SWD- Away win
- Border vs Cheetahs- Away win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Waratahs vs Western Force- Home win❌
- Hurricanes vs Crusaders- Home win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Montpellier vs Dragons
- Bordeaux Begles vs Bath
- Canon Eagles vs Dynaboars
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.
