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 23 May 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Moana vs Reds(W) 1.20 odds
Tip 1: Reds to win
Reason for the tip: Moana Pasifika could be playing an emotional final home match as they welcome the desperate Reds in a Super Rugby Pacific clash loaded with significance for both sides. Moana’s future in the competition is still uncertain while the visitors arrive knowing victory is essential to keep their playoff ambitions firmly alive. Moana Pasifika will be determined to deliver a memorable performance for their passionate supporters. Captain Miracle Faiilagi leads a powerful forward pack featuring the powerful Atu Moli and Millennium Sanerivi while experienced playmakers Augustine Pulu and Patrick Pellegrini will look to guide the side around the park. Dangerous outside backs Solomon Alaimalo and William Havili give Moana plenty of attacking spark and counter-attacking ability.
The Reds will be delighted to have co-captain Tate McDermott back for the first time this season. He and Carter Gordon will aim to inject tempo from the halfback position while Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson provide relentless work rate and physicality in the loose forwards. Out wide, Tim Ryan’s finishing ability and Filipo Daugunu’s power could prove decisive against a Moana defence that has struggled for consistency this season. I am backing the Reds to come away with the win but not without a spirited effort from an emotional Moana side.
Leinster vs Bordeaux Begles(W) 1.49 odds
Tip 2: Bordeaux to win
Reason for the tip:.The European Champions Cup Final sets up a fascinating clash between Leinster and Bordeaux Bègles, the defending champions. Leinster are desperate to end their recent final heartbreaks against French opposition. Having already suffered Champions Cup final defeats to multiple Top 14 sides in recent seasons, the Irish side now face the prospect of losing to a fourth different French club if Bordeaux-Bègles continue their remarkable rise. Leinster arrive with enormous experience and firepower. Caelan Doris captains a side loaded with internationals while Jamison Gibson-Park’s tempo and the midfield class of Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw give the Irish giants a balanced attacking threat. The inclusion of Rieko Ioane adds extra explosiveness out wide alongside the ever-reliable Hugo Keenan.
Bordeaux-Bègles possess the most dangerous backline in Europe with threats all across the park. Matthieu Jalibert controls the attack brilliantly, while Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey can punish even the smallest defensive lapses. Captain Maxime Lucu’s kicking game and composure will also be crucial in managing the pressure of a major final. Despite the brilliance in the backline, knockout rugby is decided in the forwards. Bordeaux can call on the power of Ugo Boniface Ben Tameifuna from the bench and I am backing them to get a narrow win in the last quarter.
Griquas(W) 1.28 odds vs Pumas
Tip 3: Griquas to win
Reason for the tip: The SA Cup Final promises to deliver another fierce battle as Griquas host defending champions Pumas in a clash between two of South Africa’s most consistent provincial sides. Both teams have won this competition once before but the home side will look to end the visitors reign. Griquas will look continue their attacking style to unsettle the visitors. Veteran flyhalf George Whitehead remains the key controller with his tactical kicking and goal-kicking accuracy while captain Albert Liebenberg leads a physical forward pack determined to dominate the breakdown battle. Dangerous backs Cameron Hufke and Dylan Maart provide plenty of pace and finishing ability out wide.
The Pumas arrive as defending champions and once again carry the reputation of being one of the toughest teams to beat in South African domestic rugby. Captain Willie Engelbrecht leads a powerful loose trio alongside Ruwald van der Merwe and Ntsika Fisanti while Clinton Swart and Thomas Bursey will look to dictate territory and tempo. Outside backs Jaycee Nel and Tino Swanepoel remain constant attacking threats in broken play. The match will be a physical affair but the flair and pace of the home sides backline will see them to victory.
Suntory Sungoliath(W)1.34 odds vs Black Rams
Tip 4: Sungoliath to win
Reason for the tip:The Japan League One quarter-final promises high-quality rugby as Tokyo Sungoliath take on BlackRams Tokyo in an exciting all-Tokyo knockout clash. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both teams bring experience, international talent and contrasting styles into a match that could be decided by the smallest margins. Tokyo Sungoliath boasts a star-studded lineup packed with proven match winners. Sean McMahon adds aggression and breakdown dominance in the loose forwards, while the experienced Yutaka Nagare and Kaleb Trask will look to control the tempo. Out wide, few teams can match the attacking threat of Cheslin Kolbe and Kotaro Matsushima whose pace and creativity make Sungoliath dangerous from anywhere on the field. The impact of Sam Cane from the bench could also prove decisive during the closing stages.
BlackRams Tokyo, however, have the experience and physicality to challenge strongly. Captain TJ Perenara remains the heartbeat of the side with his leadership and tactical intelligence, while Liam Gill and Brodi McCurran provide relentless work rate in the forwards. Isaac Lucas and Daisuke Nishikawa offer attacking spark in the backline and will look to exploit any defensive gaps. The depth of the Sungoliath’s bench will be the difference between the sides therefore I am backing them for the win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Hurricanes vs Highlanders :Home team(-21.5)1.87 odds
Reason for tip:Hurricanes head into a crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash against Highlanders knowing victory could secure top spot on the standings and home-ground advantage throughout the playoffs. The Hurricanes will be eager to maintain momentum against a Highlanders side determined to finish their campaign strongly despite almost no chance of qualifying for the playoffs. The home side have named an exciting lineup despite several positional shifts in the forward pack. Jordie Barrett once again provides leadership and class in midfield, while Ruben Love continues to impress with his attacking instincts at flyhalf. Dangerous outside backs Kini Naholo and Ngane Punivai give the Hurricanes serious finishing ability, while Peter Lakai and Devan Flanders bring energy and physicality around the breakdown.
The Highlanders arrive with plenty of fight of their own. Co-captains Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton lead a hard-working side that thrives on intensity and direct play. The experience of Tomas Lavanini and Ethan de Groot will ensure they can match the physicality of the log leaders while Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jonah Lowe provide attacking spark from the backfield. They will however miss the services of star wingers Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau. I am backing the Hurricanes to win and cover the -21.5 handicap.
Force vs Drua: Home team (-11.5) 1.71 odds
Reason for tip: Western Force and Fijian Drua head int this Super Rugby Pacific encounter knowing that anything less than a bonus-point victory will almost certainly end their playoff hopes. Even with a win, both sides still need several other results to fall their way. The Force will look to use home advantage and their experienced team to control the game early. Captain Jeremy Williams leads a hard-working forward pack featuring the competition’s leading tackler Carlo Tizzano while Max Burey and Nathan Hastie will aim to dictate territory and tempo. Dangerous outside backs Dylan Pietsch and Zac Lomax give the Force plenty of strike power and aerial ability while the inclusion of Kurtley Beale off the bench could provide a late attacking spark.
The Drua remain one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the competition but have struggled to fire up their potent backline. They will need Virimi Vakatawa’s power in midfield and the finishing ability of Taniela Rakuro and Manasa Mataele to get them over the tryline. Captain Temo Mayanavanua will need a huge performance up front to help the Drua match the Force physically. Since the Force need as many tries as possible this could work in their favour as they can lose the shackles and play running rugby. I am backing them to win and cover the -11.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Leinster vs Bordeaux- Away win
- Griquas vs Pumas- Home win
- Moana vs Reds- Home win
- Western Force vs Fijian Drua- Home win
- Hurricanes vs Highlanders- Home win
- Tokyo Sungoliath vs Black Rams- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Crusaders vs Chiefs- Home win✅
- Waratahs VS Brumbies- Home win❌
- Montpellier vs Ulster- Home win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Kubota Spears vs Brave Lupus
- Warrington vs Bradford
- NQ Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
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.
