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 FRIDAY 15 May 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Edinburgh vs Connacht(W) 1.53 odds
Tip 1: Connacht to win
Reason for the tip: The race for playoff positions takes us to Edinburgh where the home side will look to end their season on a high by denying Connacht a place in the quarter-finals. While the Scottish side can no longer qualify for the playoffs, there is still plenty of motivation for the them as they aim to spoil Connacht’s top-eight ambitions in front of their home supporters. Edinburgh have named an exciting backline featuring dangerous finishers Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe while Magnus Bradbury captains a physical forward pack that will look to dominate the collisions. Ross Thompson’s game management at flyhalf could also prove key in controlling territory and tempo.
Connacht arrive knowing that victory is essential if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. Much of their attack will revolve around the experience and power of Bundee Aki in midfield while captain Cian Prendergast and Sean Jansen will be tasked with matching Edinburgh physically up front. Josh Ioane and Ben Murphy will need to control the game well under what is expected to be heavy pressure. They will be the key to the visitors attack as both players have plenty of X factor. I am backing Connacht to come away with the win due to the quarter final prize in front of them.
Northampton Saints(W) 1.25 odds vs Bristol Bears
Tip 2: Saints to win
Reason for the tip: PREM leaders Northampton Saints face a huge test this weekend as they host Bristol Bears in a clash with major playoff implications for both sides. The Saints are chasing top spot on the table and a valuable home semi-final while Bristol arrive desperate for points as they push to secure a top-four finish and keep their knockout hopes alive. Both teams will be looking for an improvement as they suffered huge defeats in the last round.
The home team have named a strong line-up led by George Furbank with England stars Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith adding plenty of attacking quality. The back row combination of Callum Chick, Henry Pollock and Josh Kemeny should also provide energy around the breakdown. Bristol bring their usual attacking threat with the returning Louis Rees-Zammit and Kalaveti Ravouvou capable of producing moments of brilliance out wide. Harry Randall’s speed at scrumhalf and the physical presence of Ellis Genge up front will be key if the Bears are to upset the league leaders away from home. The strength of the Saints bench makes me predict a home win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Cardiff vs Stormers: Home team (+8.5)1.87 odds
Reason for tip: URC title contenders the Stormers head to Wales knowing a victory over Cardiff could prove vital in securing a strong playoff position while the hosts need a win to secure their playoff spot. Cardiff have selected an exciting lineup featuring the dangerous back three of Cam Winnett, Jacob Beetham and Tom Bowen with Ben Thomas providing creativity in midfield. The loose trio of Taine Basham, Dan Thomas and James Botham should bring plenty of physicality and breakdown pressure while veteran Leigh Halfpenny offers valuable experience from the bench.
The Stormers arrive with plenty of firepower of their own. Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu form a dangerous creative axis capable of unlocking any defence while Evan Roos and Ben-Jason Dixon add power and aggression in the forward pack. Captain Neethling Fouché will look to lead from the front in the scrums in an area that they certainly have an advantage in. The visitors also boast excellent depth on the bench with Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat among the replacements. The outcome of the match will depend on which team handles the pressure better. I am backing the Stormers for the win but tipping Cardiff to cover the +8.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears- Home win
- Chiefs vs Highlanders- Home win
- Cardiff vs Stormers- Home win
- Ulster vs Glasgow Warriors- Away win
- Edinburgh vs Connacht- Away win
- Pumas vs Cheetahs- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Newcastle Red Bulls vs Harlequins- Away win✅
- Exeter Chiefs vs Bath- Away win❌
- Racing 92 vs La Rochelle- Home win✅
- Spears Kubota vs Kobe Steel- Home win❌
- Suntory Sungoliath vs Black Rams- Home win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Sharks vs Zebre
- Bulls vs Benetton
- Leinster vs Ospreys
- Munster vs Lions
- Scarlets vs Dragons
- Fijian Drua vs Waratahs
- Cheetahs vs Boland
- Force vs Reds
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.
