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 SUNDAY 22 February 2026

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

Crusaders vs Brumbies 

Tip 1: Crusaders to win 

Reason for the tip: The Crusaders welcome the Brumbies in a heavyweight Super Rugby Pacific clash that could have major implications early in the season. David Havili captains the Crusaders from inside centre, with Will Jordan’s return at fullback providing world-class attacking threat. The back three of Jordan, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki offers pace and finishing ability, while Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana will look to control tempo and territory. Up front, Ethan Blackadder’s work rate and physicality will be key in setting the tone, alongside the experienced Fletcher Newell at tighthead prop.

The Brumbies, led by scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan, bring their usual structure and forward dominance. Rob Valetini and Rory Scott form a dynamic loose trio, while veteran prop James Slipper anchors the scrum. Billy Pollard’s accuracy at lineout time could be crucial, and the pace of Corey Toole out wide gives the visitors a dangerous counterattacking option. The battle at set piece will likely define this encounter, with both sides priding themselves on strong scrummaging and mauling. If the Crusaders can generate quick ball and unleash their outside backs, they will come away with their first win of the season. 

Rugby Handicap Betting

Handicap Betting Tips for Today

Reason for tip:France hosts Italy in what looks like a classic Six Nations encounter between flair and resilience. Antoine Dupont captains a powerful French side from scrumhalf, partnering Matthieu Jalibert in an exciting halfback combination capable of unlocking any defence. Out wide, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attissogbe provide serious pace, while Thomas Ramos offers reliability from the tee and counterattacking threat from fullback. Up front, Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament bring size and athleticism to the engine room, and the back row of Anthony Jelonch, Francois Cros and Oscar Jegou gives France balance at the breakdown.

Italy, led by Michele Lamaro, will look to challenge physically and play with ambition. Ange Capuozzo remains a key attacking spark, while Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh can punish defensive lapses out wide. Paolo Garbisi’s game management at flyhalf will be crucial in keeping Italy competitive, especially in the territorial battle. The Cannone brothers add muscle in the pack, but they will face a stern test against France’s powerful forwards. The home side will have too much firepower against the Azzurri who have played hugely physical encounters over the opening two weeks. I am backing France to win and cover the -25.5 handicap. 

Rugby fixtures this weekend

Accumulator of the Day 

• France vs Italy- Home win
• Crusaders vs Brumbies- Home win
• Suntory Sungoliath vs Canon Eagles-Home win

Rugby Results Yesterday

• England vs Ireland- Home win❌
• Wales vs Scotland- Away win✅
• Lions vs Sharks- Home win✅
• Highlanders vs Chiefs- Home win❌
• Western Force vs Blues- Away win✅
• Kobe Steel vs Wild Knights- Home win✅

Rugby tomorrow

• No matches

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.