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 16 May 2026
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No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Munster(W)1.36 odds vs Lions
Tip 1: Munster to win
Reason for the tip: The URC playoff pressure valve hits an all time high as Munster host the Lions in a crucial clash with both sides still fighting to secure their place in the knockout stages. The home side have named a powerful and experienced lineup led by the influential halfback pairing of Craig Casey and Jack Crowley who will be key to controlling territory and tempo. In midfield, Alex Nankivell and Dan Kelly provide a strong balance of creativity and physicality while the forward pack features plenty of breakdown presence through John Hodnett and Jack O’Donoghue. Munster’s bench also looks formidable with Gavin Coombes and JJ Hanrahan ready to make an impact late in the match.
The Lions arrive in Ireland knowing a win could dramatically boost their playoff hopes and could possibly get them a home quarter final if other results go their way. Quan Horn and Angelo Davids offer attacking spark out wide while Henco van Wyk remains a major threat in midfield with his direct running game. Captain Francke Horn will need a huge performance in the loose forwards as the visitors attempt to match Munster’s physical edge up front. They will however miss the services of Ruan Venter and this is the reason I am backing Munster for the win.
Scarlets vs Dragons(W) 3.65 odds
Tip 2: Dragons to win
Reason for the tip:.Scarlets and Dragons meet in a Welsh derby with pride and bragging rights firmly on the line. While neither side is in playoff contention, there is still plenty of motivation heading into the clash, particularly for the Dragons as experienced loose forward Aaron Wainwright prepares for his final appearance for the region. Scarlets will look to finish their campaign strongly in front of their supporters with an exciting backline that includes Tom Rogers, Blair Murray and Joe Roberts. Joe Hawkins continues at flyhalf and will be hoping to bring his potent backline into play while captain Josh Macleod and Taine Plumtree lead a forward pack capable of bringing plenty of intensity at the breakdown.
The Dragons will be determined to send Wainwright off with a memorable performance as he has been a stalwart in their darkest days. The Welsh international will captain a committed pack alongside Thomas Young and Ben Carter while Rio Dyer remains a dangerous attacking weapon out wide. Tinus de Beer’s game management could also prove important in what is expected to be a fiercely contested derby. The visitors have one of the best defences in the league and it is for this reason I am backing them to come away with the upset win.
Griquas(W) 1.20 odds vs Boland
Tip 3: Griquas to win
Reason for the tip: The SA Cup semi-final promises a thrilling showdown as the unbeaten Griquas host Boland in Kimberley with a place in the final on the line. Griquas have been the standout team throughout the competition their with dangerous attacking rugby. Both these teams have been scoring tries for fun but defence will be key in this match. Captain Albert Liebenberg leads a physical home pack that includes the hardworking Marco de Witt and Phumzile Maqondwana while experienced flyhalf George Whitehead will once again be central to controlling territory and converting scoring opportunities. Out wide, Gurswin Wehr and Dylan Maart provide plenty of pace and finishing ability, making the hosts a constant threat from anywhere on the field.
Boland have shown brilliant running rugby to reach the semi-finals and will believe they can upset the favourites. Veteran scrumhalf Louis Schreuder brings valuable leadership and composure while captain Thurlow Marsh and the experienced Chris Smit will look to guide the visitors in the pressure moments. Boland’s backline also possesses attacking flair through players such as Xavier Mitchell and Lunathi Nxele. The former is fresh from scoring an incredible seven tries in the last match. I am backing Griquas to come away with a tight-fought victory.
Castres vs Montpellier(W) 2.20 odds
Tip 4: Montpellier to win
Reason for the tip:Top 14 action continues with a crucial clash between Castres Olympique and Montpellier as the visitors chase an important victory to strengthen their playoff ambitions. Montpellier know that a win could go a long way toward sealing their place in the knockout stages while Castres will look to be party spoilers in front of their home fans. They have made several changes to their starting lineup, with Santiago Arata taking over at scrumhalf and Joris Hervé starting at flyhalf in a new-look halfback pairing. The hosts still possess plenty of experience and physicality through players such as Geoffrey Palis, Adrien Delaporte.
Montpellier arrive with strong momentum and an experienced side led by Lenni Nouchi in the loose forwards. The visitors boast dangerous attacking threats in the backline, including Anthony Bouthier replacement Tom Banks, Gabin N’Gandebe and dynamic winger Donovan Taofifenua. At flyhalf, Domingo Miotti will be tasked with controlling territory and punishing any indiscipline from the hosts. Ali Price and his kicking game could prove to be the difference between the side as the Scottish international has been excellent from the base of the scrum. I am backing Montpellier to come away with the win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Sharks vs Zebre:Home team(-27.5)1.87 odds
Reason for tip:TThe Sharks will look to finish strongly when they host Zebre Parma in Durban but much of the attention will fall on the farewell match of Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi as he returns to the Stormers next season. There are also on two exciting young talents named in the starting lineup Flyhalf Vusi Moyo is set to make his debut for the Sharks while highly rated 18-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya has generated major excitement ahead of another big opportunity at senior level.
Despite the youthful selections, the Sharks still boast plenty of experience and power throughout the squad. Kolisi continues in the loose trio alongside Emmanuel Tshituka and Nick Hatton while André Esterhuizen captains the side from inside centre.
Up front, the experienced front row of Ox Nche and Vincent Koch should give the hosts a scrum domination in the match. Zebre Parma have shown throughout the season that they are capable of challenging bigger sides when given opportunities. Captain Alessandro Fusco will direct play from scrumhalf while Luca Morisi brings valuable experience in midfield. The visitors will also look to test the Sharks defensively through the pace of Simone Gesi and Malik Faissal out wide. The Sharks will be looking to give Kolisi a fitting farewell and I am backing them to win and cover the -27.5 handicap.
Bulls vs Benetton: Away team (+31.5)1.70 odds
Reason for tip: URC heavyweights the Bulls know a victory over Benetton could secure a valuable home quarter-final in the playoffs. With knockout rugby fast approaching, the Bulls will be eager to build momentum in front of their supporters at Loftus Versfeld against a dangerous Benetton side capable of causing problems. The home side have named an experienced and star-studded lineup featuring Springbok playmaker Handré Pollard at flyhalf and veteran Willie le Roux at fullback. Canan Moodie and Sergeal Peterson provide attacking spark out wide while the powerful forward pack led by captain Ruan Nortje includes standout loose forwards Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw. Up front, Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp will look to dominate the set pieces and lay the platform for the hosts.
Benetton will be looking to bounce back from the mauling they suffered by the Sharks last week and will be led by captain Federico Ruzza and the experienced Rhyno Smith at flyhalf. Louis Lynagh and Paolo Odogwu bring pace and finishing ability to the backline while Lorenzo Cannone and So’otala Fa’aso’o will aim to match the Bulls physically in the loose forwards. It is difficult to see anything other than a Bulls victory but I am backing the visitors to cover the +31.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Sharks vs Zebre- Home win
- Bulls vs Benetton- Home win
- Leinster vs Ospreys- Home win
- Munster vs Lions- Home win
- Scarlets vs Dragons- Away win
- Fijian Drua vs Waratahs- Home win
- Griquas vs Boland- Home win
- Force vs Reds- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- 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 tomorrow
- La Rochelle vs Toulon
- Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers
- France(W) vs England(W)
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.
