Rugby Predictions Today

Rugby Predictions for Today 31 May 2025

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.

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1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today

Blues vs Waratahs

Tip 1: Blues to win 

Reason for the tip: The battle for playoff places reaches fever pitch as the Blues welcome the Waratahs to Eden Park. The home side are in 7th position with 28 points while the visitors are a spot below on 26 points. They are both chasing the sixth placed Moana Pasifika who have a tough away fixture to the Hurricanes to close out their campaign. A win for either of these teams coupled with a Moana loss will see the victor through to the playoffs. A Moana win without a bonus point and Blues win with a bonus point will see the defending champions into the playoffs. 

The Blues have been boosted by the return of Mark Telea who has served his suspension. The home side are almost at full strength and will be well rested after a bye last week. The Waratahs on the other hand came through a titanic battle against the Force and needed overtime to clinch the win so fatigue will be a factor for them. The potency of the Blues backline is the reason that I am backing them for the win. 

Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika

Tip 2: Hurricanes to win   

Reason for the tip: It will be an emotional day in Wellington when the Hurricanes host Moana Pasifika. Two of the home team’s favorite sons Julian and Ardie Savea will be on the opposition team in this encounter. Hurricanes are sure to give them a fiery reception with the visitors needing a win to advance to the playoff positions. The home side have secured their top six spot but will want a win to build momentum for the knockout stage. Moana will be looking for redemption after they were humiliated 85-7 by the Chiefs in the last match. 

Moana was dealt a blow when William Havili had to pull out with injury. His playmaking role from the fullback position is sorely missed which will place a lot of pressure on flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini. The Hurricanes on the other hand were given a significant boost when their playmaker Brett Cameron was given the all clear to make his first start of the season. The highlight of the match will be Ardie Savea up against his opposite number Du’Plessis Kirifi. The winner of this contest is likely to see their team home. I am backing Moana to cause an upset and win this match. 

Saracens vs Bath

Tip 3: Saracens to win 

Reason for the tip: Saracens will be going all out for a bonus point win when they take on the table topping Bath. The home side are currently in sixth spot with 51 points which are two points outside of the top four. They will need a bonus point win and hope that two of Gloucester, Bristol or Sale Sharks lose which seems highly unlikely since two of these teams are playing at home. Bath on the other hand have secured top spot and will be looking to rest their key players after their Challenge Cup triumph. 

The one piece of good news for Saracens is that they will be playing a weakened Bath team which will give them the best chance to claim a bonus point victory. The home side will be kicking themselves for losing their last league match against the Saints after leading for most of the game. The visitors will have one eye on next week’s semi-final and will be looking to avoid any injuries. I am backing Saracens to come away with the bonus point win but unfortunately it won’t be enough to make the top four. 

Sharks vs Munster 

Tip 4: Sharks to win 

Reason for the tip: In the final quarter final of the URC, the Sharks welcome Munster to Durban. The home side have won their last four matches without hitting top form which means there is a room for improvement. This will be up against a Munster team that will be determined to do well as this could be the final match for Irish legends Peter O’ Mahony and Connor Murray who will be retiring. The Springbok laden Sharks will need to have better cohesion in attack if they are to break down the resolute defence of the visitors. 

Munster have looked good in their last two matches with their attack coming to the fore led by the impressive Alex Nankivell in the inside centre position. His battle with opposite number Andre Esterhuizen will be one of the highlights of the match. The Sharks will be sweating on the fitness of Grant Williams as the number nine is the key to the home side’s attacking ability. His quick service at the rucks and sniping runs are a nightmare for opposition teams. The power of the Sharks pack makes me predict a home win. 

Handicap Betting Tips For Today

Reds vs Fijian Drua: Home team (-14.5)

Reason for tip: The Reds will be looking for some much needed form when they take on the Fijian Drua. The home side have secured their playoff place and can finish as high as fourth if they win and the Hurricanes lose. The Reds ] will need a massive improvement to their overall game as they have lost three of their last four matches. The Fijian Drua are always a dangerous side and will be looking to end their season with a win. They have struggled for form especially on the road where they are yet to win this season. 

The Reds will be delighted to have skipper Harry Wilson back for the knockout phase after he broke his arm earlier in the season. They also welcome back Josh Flook from a long term injury. The set piece has always been a strength for the home team but that was a weakness for them against the Hurricanes and ultimately cost them the match. I am backing the Reds to find form and win by covering the -14.5 handicap.

Bulls vs Edinburgh: Away team (+18.5)

Reason for tip: In the second of the URC quarter final the Bulls play host to Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld. The home side have been in rampant form in recent weeks and will have revenge on their mind after being eliminated from the Challenge Cup by the same opposition. If the visitors are to cause an upset, they will need to find a way to at least gain parity in the scrum. Former Bulls player Pierre Schoeman will be the key in the front row against Wilco Louw. In all five previous encounters between these sides, the winning margin was always eight points or less. It is for this reason that I am backing Edinburgh to cover the +18.5 handicap. 

Leinster vs Scarlets: Home team (-22.5)

Reason for tip: Leinster and Scarlets clash at the Aviva Stadium in the third of the URC quarter finals. The home side will be desperate for silverware after their shock loss to the Saints in the Champions Cup semi-final. This could be bad news for Scarlets as Leinster will come out firing to avoid a repeat of that day. There is also the small matter of revenge after the Scarlets handed the Irish giants their first loss of the season in a 35-22 win back in April. The home side will be without Robbie Henshaw but have the world class Jordie Barrett to cover the inside centre position. I am backing Leinster to make a statement and win by covering the -22.5 handicap. 

Kobe Steelers vs Wild Knights: Away team(-7.5)

Reason for tip: The Kobe Steelers and the Wild Knights will meet to decide the third placed team in the Japan League One. It is the match no team enjoys playing as it means they have lost their respective semi-finals. Wild Knights went into their match against Kubota Spears as favorites but came agonisingly short in a 28-24 defeat. Kobe Steelers will rue their inability to turn possession into points as they succumbed to the defending champions Brave Lupus. Wild Knights will be looking to their Springbok pairing of Damian de Allende and Lood de Jager to carry them to victory. I am backing the Knights to win and cover the -7.5 handicap.  

Rugby fixtures this weekend

Accumulator of the Day 

Blues vs Waratahs – Home win 

Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika- Away win  

Reds vs Fijian Drua- Home win

Bulls vs Edinburgh- Home win 

Saracens vs Bath- Home win 

Leinster vs Scarlets- Home win 

Sharks vs Munster- Home win 

Kobe Steelers vs Wild Knights- Away win

Rugby Results Yesterday

Highlanders vs Chiefs – Away win✅  

Brumbies vs Crusaders – Home win❌ 

Glasgow vs Stormers- Home win✅

Brive vs Montauban- Home Win✅ 

Honda Heat vs Kintetsu Liners- Home win✅

Rugby tomorrow

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.

At Topbets, we pride ourselves on offering accurate and reliable betting predictions. Our free Whatsapp channel is designed to provide you with the best tips and insights to help you make informed betting decisions.

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