After an exciting opening two rounds, we return for Round 3 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with five matches taking place this weekend. We will take a look at these matches from a betting angle and will make a few suggested bets.
FRIDAY
Moana Pasifika v Western Force – Click here to bet
Moana Pasifika opened their campaign with a solid win against the Drua in round 1, winning the match 26-40 away from home but could not back it up as they lost 52-10 to the Hurricanes last weekend also away from home.
The Force have had a dreadful campaign so far, conceding 56 points against the Brumbies and then shipping 42 against the Blues. They head to Pukekohe low on confidence and well short of form.
Head-to-Head
The head-to-head heavily favours the Force, who have won four of the last five meetings between the sides. The most recent clash ended in a 45-44 win for the Force.
Betting
Moana Pasifika are favourites heading into this match, trading at 1.53 for the win. The Force are at 2.75, while the draw is priced at 29.00.
Handicap: Moana Pasifika [–5.5]
Verdict
The Force have been well beaten in both outings and travelling to Pukekohe will not offer much relief. Moana Pasifika have had a better start to their campaign and will be looking for their first home win of the season.
Suggested Bet: Moana Pasifika [-5.5] at 1.91
Reds v Highlanders – Click here to bet
The Reds return to Suncorp Stadium looking to open their home account after being well beaten by the Waratahs in Round 1. They had a bye last weekend and will be fresh for this one.
The Highlanders come in with a 1–1 record, having beaten the defending champion Crusaders before narrowly losing 26–23 to the Chiefs in Dunedin last weekend.
Head-to-Head
This fixture has been closely contested in recent seasons. The Reds have managed to come out on top in the last two matches winning 31-0 in Queensland in 2024 and 23-29 away from home last year.
Betting
The Reds are slight home favourites at 1.65, with the Highlanders priced at 2.50. The draw is 26.00.
Handicap: Reds [-3.5]
Verdict
The Reds will be desperate for a big home performance, but the Highlanders have shown they can beat anyone on their day. This should be a close match, but I think after their start the Highlanders should be able to beat the Reds.
Suggested Bet: Highlanders to win at 2.50
SATURDAY
Fijian Drua v Hurricanes – Click here to bet
The Fijian Drua host the Hurricanes at Churchill Park in Lautoka, desperate for their first win of the season. The Drua lost to both Moana Pasifika and the Waratahs in their opening two rounds, while the Hurricanes have been impressive, winning their only match with a runaway victory over Moana Pasifika in Wellington last weekend after having a bye in Round 1.
Head-to-Head
Travelling to Lautoka is never easy. The heat, humidity, and passionate crowd make Churchill Park a genuine fortress, and while the Hurricanes have won three of the last four meetings, the Drua were able to beat them on home soil back in 2023.
Betting
The Hurricanes are favourites at 1.20, with the Drua at 5.25. The draw is at 34.00.
Handicap: Fijian Drua [+12.5]
Verdict
The Hurricanes showed us what they could do against a Pasifika side that beat the Drua in Round 1 and so I think we will see the Hurricanes put in a solid win this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Hurricanes [-12.5] at 1.91
Chiefs v Crusaders – Click here to bet
The match of the Round. The Chiefs host the defending champions Crusaders at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton. The Chiefs have been clinical so far, beating the Blues in Round 1 and grinding out a 26–23 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend.
The Crusaders, by contrast, have had a nightmare start, losing to the Highlanders in Round 1 before suffering a humiliating 50–24 home defeat to the Brumbies on Sunday, ending a 26-year unbeaten run at home to Australian sides.
Head-to-Head
This is one of Super Rugby’s great rivalries, with recent meetings going down to the wire. The Crusaders ultimately won the 2025 title, but the Chiefs have had the upper hand in several pool stage encounters, and at home in Hamilton they are a formidable proposition.
Betting
The Chiefs are strong favourites at 1.36, with the Crusaders at 3.50. The draw is currently at 29.00.
Handicap: Chiefs [-7.5]
Verdict
The Chiefs are in fine form and playing at home, while the Crusaders are under real pressure after back-to-back defeats. Expect the Chiefs to control this one from the front.
Suggested Bet: Chiefs [-7.5] at 1.87
Brumbies v Blues – Click here to bet
The Brumbies have been the story of the season. They host the Blues at GIO Stadium in Canberra having produced two stunning performances, a 56–24 demolition of the Force in Round 1 followed by an extraordinary 50–24 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch last Sunday.
The Blues come in off a 42–32 win over the Force but were beaten by the Chiefs in Round 1 and face a very different challenge this week.
Head-to-Head
The Brumbies have been exceptional in both home and away matches this season, and GIO Stadium is a fortress. The Blues have the talent to compete but face the form team of the competition. The last time the sides met, the Brumbies pulled off a 20-21 win away from home.
Betting
The Brumbies are strong favourites at 1.40, with the Blues at 3.25. The draw is at 29.00.
Handicap: Brumbies [-7.5]
Verdict
The Brumbies are playing with real power and confidence, their forward pack has been dominant, and they are at home. It is hard to look past them here. Back the Brumbies to continue their strong start.
Suggested Bet: Brumbies [-7.5] at 1.95
Click here for betting on all the weekend’s Super Rugby matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
