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 19 December 2025

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

Cardiff vs Scarlets 

Tip 1: Scarlets to win 

Reason for the tip: Cardiff host Scarlets in a highly anticipated Welsh derby that is sure to produce passionate, physical rugby. The home will look to control the contest through their half-backs with Callum Sheedy’s game management and Aled Davies’ tempo crucial to setting the tone. The backline carries real strike power led by Josh Adams and Mason Grady while Ben Thomas and Harri Millard provide balance between distribution in the midfield. Captain Liam Belcher anchors a pack that will rely on James Botham and Dan Thomas to generate breakdown pressure and momentum in contact.

Scarlets arrive with a blend of experience and youthful energy. Gareth Davies and Joe Hawkins form an excellent half back pairing capable of accelerating the game and exploiting space when it opens up. Johnny Williams adds direct running in midfield while they have the threats of Blair Murray and Tom Rogers out wide. Josh Macleod’s leadership at openside will be key while Jake Ball and Sam Lousi bring physical edge in the locking department. The benches could play a decisive role with Cardiff calling on Taulupe Faletau and the visitors having Springbok Marnus van der Merwe to call on in the second half. I am backing the Scarlets for the win. 

Rugby Handicap Betting

Handicap Betting Tips for Today

Leinster vs Ulster: Away team (+11.5)

Reason for tip: Leinster host Ulster in a heavyweight derby clash that brings together the power and attacking flair of both sides. Leinster named a strong XV led by Jack Conan, whose leadership and ball-carrying will be central in the tight exchanges. Sam Prendergast continues his development at fly-half with Luke McGrath providing experience at scrum-half while All Black Rieko Ioane gets his first start alongside Charlie Tector. Out wide, James Lowe remains a major threat both ball in hand and his massive left boot while Ciarán Frawley’s versatility again comes to the fore from the fullback position.

Ulster arrive with a dangerous backline of their own. Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune provide strike power out wide while Stuart McCloskey and Jude Postlethwaite give Ulster a strong, direct midfield. Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy will aim to keep Ulster playing with tempo, supported by a combative pack led by captain Nick Timoney and the explosive Juarno Augustus. With both sides fielding international quality and strong benches, this encounter is likely to be intense, physical and decided by execution at set piece, breakdown efficiency and control in the closing stages. I am backing Leinster to come away with the win but expect the visitors to cover the +11.5 handicap. 

Rugby fixtures this weekend

Accumulator of the Day 

• Cardiff vs Scarlets- Away win
• Leinster vs Ulster-Away win

Rugby Results Yesterday

• Castres vs Edinburgh- Home win✅
• Harlequins vs Bayonne- Home win✅
• Toulon vs Bath- Away win❌
• Northampton Saints vs Bulls- Home win✅

Rugby tomorrow

• Stormers vs Lions
• Benetton vs Zebre
• Glasgow vs Edinburgh
• Sharks vs Bulls
• Ospreys vs Munster
• Dragons vs Connacht
• Saracens vs Exeter Chiefs

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.