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 SATURDAY 14 March 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

Fijian Drua vs Brumbies 

Tip 1: Brumbies to win 

Reason for the tip: A thrilling contest is expected in Super Rugby Pacific when Fijian Drua host the ACT Brumbies. The Drua are always a dangerous side at home, where their fast-paced style and passionate crowd often make them difficult to beat. The home side will look to their captain Frank Lomani to control the tempo from scrum-half, while fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula provides creativity in attack. The backline is packed with explosive runners such as Ponipate Loganimasi and Joji Nasova, who thrive in open play. Up front, the Drua pack will rely on the physical presence of Elia Canakaivata and Motikiai Murray to compete at the breakdown and maintain forward momentum.

The Brumbies have made several changes for this encounter but still bring a formidable team. Captain Andy Muirhead leads a backline that includes the speedy Corey Toole and powerful centre David Feliuai. In the forwards, Rob Valetini remains a key ball carrier at number eight, supported by Luke Reimer in the back row. The Brumbies’ pack, anchored by Nick Frost in the second row, will aim to dominate set pieces and control territory. If the visitors can keep the match a tight affair their forward pack will see them to victory. 

Crusaders vs Highlanders 

Tip 2: Crusaders to win 

Reason for the tip:.A fierce New Zealand derby awaits in Super Rugby Pacific as the Crusaders take on the Highlanders. These two sides have a long-standing rivalry, and matches between them are usually physical, fast-paced, and highly competitive. The defending champions have made a disastrous start to their title defence with just one win in four. They have however named a powerful lineup led by captain David Havili in midfield. The return of world-class fullback Will Jordan adds a serious attacking threat, while Sevu Reece provides finishing ability on the wing. Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie bring physicality to the loose trio, while experienced hooker Codie Taylor anchors the front row alongside Fletcher Newell.

The Highlanders will rely on their own strong core of experienced internationals. Folau Fakatava is key at scrum-half with his quick service while Cameron Millar directs play at fly-half. The midfield combination of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele’a offers power and creativity. Up front, the Highlanders pack features the experience of Ethan de Groot, Angus Ta’avao, and Argentine enforcer Tomas Lavanini who will aim to challenge the Crusaders at the set piece. The home side will be desperate to avoid losing twice to the Highlanders after their opening round loss to them. It is this desperation that makes me predict a Crusaders win. 

Reds vs Waratahs 

Tip 3: Reds to win

Reason for the tip: A fierce Australian derby awaits in Super Rugby Pacific as the Queensland Reds face the New South Wales Waratahs. These rivals always produce high-intensity matches, and both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights. The Reds boast a strong lineup led by captain Fraser McReight, whose work rate at the breakdown is vital. Harry Wilson provides power at number eight, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Seru Uru add physicality in the second row. In the backline, last week’s hero Carter Gordon controls the attack at fly-half with support from scrum-half Louis Werchon. Out wide, the Reds have dangerous finishers such as Filipo Daugunu and Tim Ryan while Jock Campbell offers stability from fullback.

The Waratahs bring experience and attacking threats of their own. Jake Gordon will direct play from scrum-half, with Jack Debreczeni getting his first start of the season calling the shots at fly-half. Max Jorgensen’s pace on the wing makes him a constant danger while Joey Walton and Triston Reilly form a solid midfield pairing. In the forwards, Pete Samu and Charlie Gamble will aim to disrupt the Reds at the breakdown, with captain Matt Philip leading the pack. If the Reds dominate possession and territory, their attacking backline could create plenty of scoring opportunities which will see them to victory. 

Bulls vs Stormers 

Tip 4: Bulls to win 

Reason for the tip: A blockbuster South African derby awaits in the United Rugby Championship as the Bulls take on the Stormers. These two rivals always produce high-quality rugby and with both teams packed with Springbok talent, this clash promises to be intense from the opening whistle. The home side boast a powerful lineup led by captain Marcell Coetzee in the back row. The return of fly-half Handré Pollard adds leadership and tactical control while Embrose Papier will look to keep the tempo high at scrum-half. Out wide, the Bulls have serious attacking threats in Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie with David Kriel providing stability at fullback. Up front, the experienced front row of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw will aim to dominate the set pieces.

The Stormers also arrive with a dynamic backline with Warrick Gelant always dangerous from fullback, while Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu provide creativity in the midfield and at fly-half. The return of Captain Ruhan Nel is a major boost for the visitors as he leads the defensive line while Leolin Zas offers finishing ability on the wing. In the forwards, veterans like Deon Fourie and Ben-Jason Dixon will battle hard at the breakdown. Some of the Stormers returning Springboks could be rusty therefore I am going for a narrow Bulls win.

Rugby Handicap Betting

Handicap Betting Tips for Today

Ireland vs Scotland: Home team (-3.5)

Reason for tip: A thrilling contest is expected in the Six Nations Championship as Ireland face Scotland in what promises to be a fast-paced and physical encounter. Both teams have outside chances of winning the title but they will need a favour from England who will then need to beat France. Ireland have named a strong lineup led by captain Caelan Doris at number eight. The Irish pack features powerful forwards such as Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier who will aim to control the breakdown and provide quality ball. At halfback, Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley will look to dictate the tempo and launch Ireland’s attacking plays. In the backline, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey provide a balanced midfield combination while Jamie Osborne and Robert Baloucoune bring pace in the wider channels.

Scotland will still be on cloud number nine after their impressive victory over the French but will need to repeat those heroics in this match. Finn Russell remains one of the most creative fly-halves in world rugby and will look to unlock Ireland’s defence with his kicking and passing game. The midfield partnership of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones has been the best in Europe while Blair Kinghorn offers counter-attacking ability from fullback. Up front, the Fagerson brothers and Rory Darge will need to match Ireland’s physicality. The passion of the home crowd and the experience of the Irish forward pack will see them to victory by more than 7 points. 

Wales vs Italy: Home team (+3.5)

Reason for tip: A fascinating clash awaits in the Six Nations Championship as Wales take on a much improved Italian outfit. The home side are hoping to avoid the embarrassment of going winless although they have shown marked improvement as the competition has progressed. They have named an exciting backline featuring the pace of Louis Rees-Zammit at fullback and the finishing ability of Josh Adams on the wing. Scrum-half Tomos Williams will control the tempo and link play with fly-half Dan Edwards, while the midfield combination of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James offers creativity and attacking options. Up front, captain Dewi Lake leads the pack alongside experienced forwards like Tomas Francis and Dafydd Jenkins, who will look to dominate the set pieces.

Italy arrive with plenty of attacking talent of their own. Fly-half Paolo Garbisi will be key to directing play while Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex form a strong midfield partnership capable of breaking defensive lines. Out wide, Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh provide speed and finishing ability. Captain Michele Lamaro leads a hardworking forward pack that includes Lorenzo Cannone and Federico Ruzza. The visitors will however miss the services of their powerhouse prop Simone Ferrari who is out injured. I am backing the Welsh to snatch a late winner and cover the +3.5 handicap. 

Rugby fixtures this weekend

Accumulator of the Day 

• Fijian Drua vs Brumbies- Home win
• Crusaders vs Highlanders-Home win
• Reds vs Waratahs-Home win
• Bulls vs Stormers-Home win
• Ireland vs Scotland-Home win
• France vs England-Home win
• Wales vs Italy-Home win

Rugby Results Yesterday

• Hurricanes vs Western Force- Home win✅
• Connacht vs Scarlets- Home win✅
• Edinburgh vs Ulster- Away win✅

Rugby tomorrow

• Blues vs Moana Pasifika
• Suntory Sungoliath vs Brave Lupus
• Leicester Tigers 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.