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 09 May 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Sharks(W) 1.20 odds vs Benetton
Tip 1: Sharks to win
Reason for the tip: The Sharks host Benetton in this URC clash with both sides already out of the playoff race so they will be playing for pride. Despite this, there is still plenty of quality on display with both teams eager to end their campaigns strongly. The home side have named a powerful team captained by Andre Esterhuizen, whose physical presence in midfield will be central to their attacking approach. The experienced front row of Ox Nche and Vincent Koch should provide dominance at set piece, while Siya Kolisi and the Tshituka brothers bring energy and breakdown intensity. Out wide, Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe offer genuine finishing ability, giving the hosts plenty of attacking firepower. The Springbok captain will be playing his second last game for the Sharks and will want to end with two wins.
Benetton arrive with an exciting backline featuring Tommaso Menoncello, Leonardo Marin and Louis Lynagh who are all brilliant in open play and space. Rhyno Smith’s counter-attacking threat from fullback could also test the Sharks’ defence. Up front, captain Niccolò Cannone and Lorenzo Cannone will look to match the Sharks physically. Both teams have dynamic backlines but the Sharks have the advantage in the forward pack therefore I am backing the home side for the win.
Connacht(W) 1.56 odds vs Munster
Tip 2: Connacht to win
Reason for the tip:.Connacht host Munster in a massive URC Irish derby clash with both sides firmly involved in the race for playoff positions. With the margins on the table incredibly tight, this encounter could have a major impact on the fate of both sides. Connacht will look to make home advantage count, led by captain Cian Prendergast in a dynamic loose trio alongside Sean Jansen and Shamus Hurley-Langton. Jansen has been a try scoring machine this season. The inclusion of Bundee Aki in midfield provides power and leadership, while Josh Ioane’s game management at flyhalf will be crucial. Out wide, Shayne Bolton and Sam Gilbert offer pace and attacking creativity that can trouble any defence.
Munster have made a number of changes from their last match but still bring a powerful and experienced squad captained by Craig Casey. The forward pack features strong ball carriers in Gavin Coombes and Tom Ahern while the front row of Jeremy Loughman and Michael Ala’alatoa should give them a solid set-piece platform. In the backs, Alex Nankivell and Dan Kelly bring physicality and defensive steel to midfield. It is sure to be a physical encounter but the power of the home sides pack will see them to victory.
Ospreys(W) 1.50 odds vs Scarlets
Tip 3: Ospreys to win
Reason for the tip: Ospreys host Scarlets in a passionate Welsh derby in the URC with both teams now out of the playoff race and playing purely for pride and Welsh bragging rights. This fixture always produces fireworks and this match promises to be no different. The home side look well equipped for a physical battle, led by captain Jac Morgan whose influence at the breakdown and in defence remains crucial. Morgan Morris and James Ratti add power to the loose forwards while Kieran Hardy and Dan Edwards will aim to control territory and tempo. In midfield, Owen Watkin and Keiran Williams provide a direct and physical attacking threat capable of testing the visitor’s defensive structure.
Scarlets bring a team full of talent but lacking experience and will rely on their exciting young backline featuring Joe Hawkins, Blair Murray and Macs Page to inject pace into the contest. Captain Josh Macleod leads a committed forward pack alongside Taine Plumtree and Ryan Elias with the visitors likely to target quick ball and attacking width. The winner is likely to be the side that can dominate the forward battle and this is an area the Ospreys have the edge therefore I am tipping a home win.
Dragons(W) 2.54 odds vs Edinburgh
Tip 4: Dragons to win
Reason for the tip: Dragons host Edinburgh in this URC encounter with only pride left to play for, as both sides are officially out of the playoff race. Both teams will be going all out for the win to end their season on a high and provide momentum for their next campaign. The Dragons will look to their experienced core for leadership, with co-captains Angus O’Brien and Ben Carter guiding the side. Aaron Wainwright will be playing his 100th game alongside Thomas Young who will provide quality and energy in the loose forwards while Tinus de Beer’s tactical kicking and game management will be crucial. Out wide, Rio Dyer remains a dangerous attacking weapon capable of turning half chances into points.
Edinburgh arrive with a dangerous backline featuring the explosive pairing of Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham. The former returns after a lengthy layoff and will be a catalyst for his team in attack. Captain Grant Gilchrist leads a physical pack while Ewan Ashman and Pierre Schoeman should provide a solid set-piece platform. Ross Thompson will aim to control territory and bring Edinburgh’s dangerous runners into the game. The Dragons have been excellent in recent weeks which is why I am tipping them for the upset win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Bulls vs Zebre: Away team(+35.5)1.73 odds
Reason for tip:The Bulls host Zebre in this crucial URC encounter with the South African side looking to strengthen their playoff position and maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages. The Bulls are overwhelming favourites, having beaten the Italian side by an average of 35 points in their previous meetings. The hosts boast a dangerous backline featuring Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and the surprise selection of Willie le Roux at flyhalf although regular ten Handre Pollard is on the bench. Up front, Marcell Coetzee and Cameron Hanekom should provide dominance at the breakdown and gain line while Wilco Louw anchors a powerful scrum
Zebre arrive with a young and inexperienced side captained by Giovanni Licata. Simone Gesi remains one of their key attacking threats out wide while Thomas Dominguez and Martin Roger Farias will need to manage territory effectively to keep the visitors competitive. Their pack will have to withstand enormous pressure from the Bulls’ physical forwards. The Bulls will dominate the forward exchanges which will allow their backline to take them to a bonus point win. I am however tipping Zebre to cover the +35.5 handicap.
Leinster vs Lions: Away team (+13.5)(1.70)
Reason for tip: Leinster welcome the Lions in a mouthwatering URC clash as just one position separates the team. , as they chase the all important log points. The visitors are having their best ever season as they currently occupy third spot and are on course to make the playoffs for the first team. Leinster may not have selected their first-choice lineup but there is still plenty of international quality and depth throughout the squad. Captain James Ryan leads the pack alongside the hardworking Max Deegan and Will Connors while the exciting Sam Prendergast gets another opportunity to control proceedings at flyhalf. The backline also features major attacking threats in Rieko Ioane, Jamie Osborne, and Jimmy O’Brien, with Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan providing serious impact from the bench.
The Lions arrive with a dangerous and physical side capable of causing problems if given space. They have selected their strongest possible team with Quan Horn and Angelo Davids providing attacking spark out wide while Henco van Wyk remains a key ball carrier in midfield. Up front, Ruan Venter and Francke Horn will look to challenge Leinster physically and disrupt the breakdown ball. If these two can dominate the breakdown then an upset could be on the cards. I am backing the bench of the home side to win them the match but I tip the Lions to cover the +13.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Bulls vs Zebre- Home win
- Sharks vs Benetton- Home win
- Leinster vs Lions- Home win
- Ospreys vs Scarlets- Home win
- Moana vs Hurricanes- Away win
- Connacht vs Munster- Home win
- Dragons vs Edinburgh- Home win
- Highlanders vs Waratahs- Home win
- Brumbies vs Force- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Glasgow vs Cardiff- Home win✅
- Ulster vs Stormers- Home win❌
- Crusaders vs Blues- Home win✅
- Reds vs Chiefs- Away win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Newcastle Red Bulls vs Harlequins
- Exeter Chiefs vs Bath
- Racing 92 vs La Rochelle
- Spears Kubota vs Kobe Steel
- Suntory Sungoliath vs Black Rams
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.
