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 SATURDAY 18 April 2026
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No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Lions vs Glasgow
Tip 1: Glasgow to win
Reason for the tip: The Lions return home for a crucial United Rugby Championship clash against the Glasgow Warriors, with both sides chasing valuable log points as the playoff race intensifies. The home side will lean heavily on the leadership of captain Francke Horn and the physical presence of Ruan Venter and Siba Mahashe in the loose trio. In the backline, Quan Horn and Angelo Davids provide attacking spark while Henco van Wyk remains a key figure in midfield. At halfback, Morne van den Berg and Chris Smith will need to control territory and tempo against a well-drilled Scottish outfit.
Glasgow arrive with plenty of firepower of their own and will be smarting after being knocked out of the Champions Cup by Toulon. Huw Jones brings creativity and experience in the centres while Jack Dempsey and Sione Vailanu offer a dynamic and abrasive edge in the forwards. Captain Stafford McDowall will look to marshal a backline capable of exploiting any defensive lapses with Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay dangerous in broken play. Up front, the battle between the packs could prove decisive. The Lions’ scrum, anchored by Asenathi Ntlabakanye, faces a stern test against Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson off the bench for Glasgow. Home advantage in Johannesburg is often significant, particularly with altitude playing a factor late in the game but despite this I am backing the Warriors to come away with the win.
Scarlets vs Cardiff
Tip 2: Scarlets to win
Reason for the tip:.A fiercely contested Welsh derby awaits as the Scarlets host Cardiff Rugby in a United Rugby Championship clash with pride and points on the line. The home side will look to dictate proceedings through their forward pack with captain Fletcher Anderson leading a mobile and hardworking loose trio alongside Jarrod Taylor and Taine Plumtree. The set-piece, anchored by Ryan Elias and Sam Lousi, could be a key platform. In the backs, Joe Hawkins pulls the strings at flyhalf while Johnny Williams provides a direct, physical presence in midfield. Out wide, Blair Murray and Tom Rogers offer attacking threat if given space.
Cardiff have it all to play for as they chase the elusive playoff spot. They bring a balanced and dangerous lineup where Callum Sheedy’s game management and goal-kicking could prove decisive in a tight contest while the midfield combination of Ben Thomas and Rory Jennings offers both creativity and defensive solidity. The back three, featuring Cam Winnett and Mason Grady, has the pace to punish any defensive lapses. Up front, Cardiff’s pack, led by captain Liam Belcher will aim to disrupt Scarlets’ rhythm, with James Botham and Alex Mann key at the breakdown. The bench impact, including Taine Basham and Ioan Lloyd, adds further versatility late in the game. The home ground advantage makes me tip Scarlets for the win.
Benetton vs Munster
Tip 3: Munster to win
Reason for the tip: Italian side Benetton Rugby face a stern test at home against Irish heavyweights Munster Rugby in what promises to be a high-quality United Rugby Championship encounter. The home side boast an exciting and balanced lineup, with captain Michele Lamaro leading a combative and experienced loose trio alongside Sebastian Negri and Lorenzo Cannone. In the backs, the midfield pairing of Tommaso Menoncello and Malakai Fekitoa offers a blend of pace and physicality while Jacob Umaga will be tasked with directing play and unlocking Munster’s defence. Out wide, Louis Lynagh and Paolo Odogwu bring pace and finishing ability.
Munster arrive with significant firepower and cohesion and have brought their strongest possible lineup as they chase a playoff berth. Captain Tadhg Beirne anchors a formidable pack that includes Jean Kleyn and the dynamic Gavin Coombes at the base of the scrum. The halfback pairing of Craig Casey and Jack Crowley provides tempo and control while the midfield duo of Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell offers structure and attacking threat. Calvin Nash and Shane Daly add further danger in the back three. The desperation for points by the Munster side could prove pivotal therefore I am backing them for the win.
Ospreys vs Sharks
Tip 4: Sharks to win
Reason for the tip:The Ospreys host the Sharks in a fascinating United Rugby Championship clash with both sides looking to build consistency as the season heads toward the business end. The Welsh outfit will rely heavily on the leadership and all-action influence of captain Jac Morgan who anchors a hardworking loose trio alongside Morgan Morris and James Ratti. Kieran Hardy’s tempo at scrumhalf will be key to unlocking opportunities while Owen Watkin provides experience and defensive steel in midfield. Out wide, Luke Morgan and Dan Kasende offer attacking threat, particularly in broken play.
The Sharks bring a powerful and dynamic lineup that has plenty of youth and experience. Captain Andre Esterhuizen will look to impose himself physically in the centres, supported by the dangerous pairing of Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe out wide. The Tshituka brothers add real impact in the loose forwards while Jaden Hendrikse and Jean Smith will aim to control territory and keep the hosts under pressure. A major factor could be the Sharks’ bench, featuring seasoned Springboks Ox Nche and Vincent Koch who can significantly raise the intensity in the second half especially at scrum time. Playing in Wales is never easy, and Ospreys’ structure and breakdown work could frustrate the visitors. However, if the Sharks scrum can dominate in the second half, I back the visitors to come away with the win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Stormers vs Connacht: Away team (+21.5)
Reason for tip:The Stormers return to Cape Town as strong favourites against Connacht Rugby in this United Rugby Championship encounter. The hosts boast a star-studded backline with Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse offering flair and creativity from deep while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continues to impress as a playmaker at flyhalf. Captain Ruhan Nel provides leadership and defensive organisation in midfield, alongside the reliable Dan du Plessis. Up front, Evan Roos and Deon Fourie bring intensity and breakdown dominance which will be key in setting the tone early.
Connacht, however, are a side capable of upsetting stronger opponents. Captain Cian Prendergast leads a committed forward pack with try scoring machine Sean Jansen and Shamus Hurley-Langton offering physicality in the loose trio. The inclusion of Jack Carty on the bench provides experience and control if needed while Cathal Forde remains a key creative outlet in midfield. The main battle will likely be at the breakdown and in open play, where the Stormers thrive with their high-tempo, offloading style. If Connacht can slow the game down and stay disciplined, they could remain competitive. The Stormers’ attacking quality and home advantage at Cape Town Stadium should prove decisive therefore I expect them to win but I back the visitors to cover the +21.5 handicap.
Bath vs Harlequins: Home team (-22.5)
Reason for tip: A blockbuster PREM clash awaits as Bath Rugby host Harlequins in a match packed with attacking talent and international quality. The home sides backline is stacked with firepower, headlined by Finn Russell pulling the strings at flyhalf and the electric Henry Arundell and Joe Cokanasiga out wide. Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh provide a powerful midfield combination capable of breaking the gainline while Ben Spencer’s control at scrumhalf will be key to maintaining tempo. Up front, Alfie Barbeary and Ted Hill bring dynamism, with Charlie Ewels adding leadership in the engine room.
Harlequins counter with an equally dangerous lineup. Marcus Smith, starting at fullback, offers creativity and unpredictability while Jarrod Evans directs play at flyhalf. Alex Dombrandt captains a mobile pack that thrives in open play, supported by the tireless Jack Kenningham and the physical presence of Guido Petti. Out wide, Cadan Murley remains a constant try-scoring threat. The contest could be decided by which side better controls territory and discipline. Bath’s forward pack may have a slight edge at set-piece, especially with Thomas du Toit providing impact off the bench but Quins’ ability to attack from anywhere keeps them in the fight. There is just too much firepower in the Bath lineup therefore I back them for the win and to cover the -22.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Stormers vs Connacht- Home win
- Ospreys vs Sharks- Away win
- Lions vs Glasgow Warriors- Away win
- Chiefs vs Hurricanes- Away win
- Brumbies vs Drua- Home win
- Force vs Crusaders- Home win
- Benetton vs Munster- Away win
- Scarlets vs Cardiff- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Dragons vs Bulls- Away win✅
- Blues vs Highlanders- Home win✅
- Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika- Home win✅
- Ulster vs Leinster-Home win❌
Rugby tomorrow
- Sale Sharks vs Saracens
- Racing 92 vs Stade Francais
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.
