The 2026 Super Rugby season kicks off this weekend with five matches on the schedule. Below, we analyse each fixture from a betting perspective and highlight a selection for every game.
FRIDAY
Highlanders v Crusaders – Click here to bet
The opening match of the competition sees the Highlanders host the Crusaders on Friday, and the two sides come into the clash on very different trajectories. The Highlanders endured a disappointing finish to last season, losing their final six matches in a row. In contrast, the Crusaders stormed home, winning nine of their last ten games before defeating the Chiefs in the final to lift the title.
Head-to-Head
Recent head-to-head results also favour the Crusaders. They have won four of the last five meetings between the teams, including a tight 15–12 victory the last time they faced the Highlanders. When these sides last met on Highlander’s soil, however, the Crusaders were even more dominant, running out convincing 43–10 winners.
Betting and Verdict
Unsurprisingly, the Crusaders head into this match as clear favourites. They are currently priced at 1.40 for the win, while the Highlanders sit at 3.25, with the draw available at 29.00.
Handicap: Highlanders +7.5
Given their strong finish to last season and their recent dominance in this fixture, the Crusaders look well placed to begin their 2026 campaign with another emphatic victory.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Crusaders [-7.5] at 1.95.
Waratahs v Reds – Click here to bet
The Waratahs endured a difficult campaign last season, winning just six of their 14 matches to finish eighth on the table. The Reds enjoyed a slightly stronger year, claiming eight victories from 14 games to secure fifth place.
Head-to-Head
Recent history between the two sides favours the Reds, who have won four of their last five meetings. However, the most recent clash in Super Rugby Australia told a different story, with the Waratahs delivering a dominant 47–19 victory.
Betting and Verdict
Despite the Reds’ stronger overall record in recent seasons, the Waratahs head into this encounter as narrow favourites, priced at 1.83, with the Reds close behind at 2.15. The draw is currently available at 26.00.
Handicap: Waratahs -1.5
This shapes up as one of the most exciting fixtures of the weekend and is a tough one to call. That said, given their convincing win in the last meeting and the advantage of playing at home, the Waratahs may just have enough to edge it on Friday.
Suggested Bet: Waratahs to win at 1.83
SATURDAY
Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika – Click here to bet
The Drua endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing bottom of the table after managing just four wins from their 14 matches. Moana Pasifika fared slightly better, ending seventh after securing six victories from 14 games.
Head-to-Head
Despite their respective league positions, this rivalry consistently produces entertaining contests. Over the last five meetings, the Drua have won three times, with Moana Pasifika claiming the other two victories. The most recent clash saw Pasifika record a convincing 34–15 win at home, while the last encounter hosted by the Drua ended in a 24–17 victory for the Fijian side.
Betting and Verdict
The Drua head into this fixture as clear favourites, priced at 1.36 for the win, with Moana Pasifika at 3.65 and the draw available at 29.00.
Handicap: Drua -9.5
Notably, Moana Pasifika have failed to beat the Drua away from home in their last three attempts. With home advantage once again in their favour, the Drua look well placed to secure another solid victory this weekend.
If you are looking for a points play the line is 61.5 which is high but not high enough in my opinion.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Fijian Drua [-9.5] at 1.91.
Blues v Chiefs – Click here to bet
The Chiefs enjoyed an outstanding regular season last year, finishing top of the table after winning 11 of their 14 matches. The Blues, by contrast, endured a more inconsistent campaign, ending sixth with just six wins from 14 games.
Head-to-Head
The two sides met three times over the course of the season. The first encounter saw the Blues at home, but they fell 25–14 to the Chiefs. The Chiefs then hosted the next two clashes, edging a thrilling contest 32–31 before the Blues turned the tables in the quarter-finals, claiming a narrow 20–19 victory to eliminate them.
Betting and Verdict
Heading into this fixture, the Chiefs are favourites at 1.59, with the Blues priced at 2.60 for the win. The draw is also listed at 26.00.
Handicap: Blues +4.5
This is another matchup that is difficult to call. Based purely on last season’s overall form, the Chiefs would appear the safer pick. However, as the quarter-final result showed, the Blues are more than capable of causing an upset, and we could well see that happen again this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Blues to win at 2.60
Western Force v Brumbies – Click here to bet
The Force endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing ninth on the table after winning just four of their 14 matches. In contrast, the Brumbies were the standout Australian side, ending third overall with nine victories from 14 games.
Head-to-Head
Recent head-to-head results slightly favour the Brumbies, who have won three of the last five meetings between the teams. However, the most recent clash produced a major upset, with the Force claiming an impressive 46–35 victory.
Betting and Verdict
Despite the Force’s recent head-to-head result, the Brumbies head into this encounter as narrow favourites, priced at 1.93, while the Western Force sit close behind at 2.05. The draw is currently available at 26.00.
Handicap: Force +0.5
Although the Force showed they are capable of springing a surprise, the Brumbies’ consistency and overall strength last season suggest they have what it takes to start their campaign with a win.
Suggested Bet: Brumbies to win at 1.93.
Click here for betting on all the weekends Super Rugby matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
