The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season gets underway this weekend, with Round 1 offering a strong opening slate across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. This blog keeps an eye on the betting with a betting angle or bet in each game.
This tournament has snuck up on me and I will be relying heavily on the Goodforthegame network for bets on the opening weekend.
Bet: Western Force v Brumbies
Posted: 14 February 01h05
Stake: 2 units (1–5)
Selection: Western Force to win
Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Pokerbet
I missed the early +5.5 line, but I like the Western Force for a strong season and think the Brumbies look a little vulnerable at this stage.
The market has this priced close to a pick’em, with the Brumbies still marginal favourites in some shops.
I missed the early line (+5.5 Force), but I’m happy to back the Force outright here.
I won't be betting on Drua v Pasifika where the handicap is -9.5 Drua and the points line is 61.5 and my bet is already down on the Blues game.
Bet: Waratahs v Reds
Posted 12 Feb 23h07
BET: 2 units (1–5)
Over 54.5 points at 10/11 (Pokerbet)
The Waratahs opened at around 2/1 and have been backed into favourites, with the current handicap sitting at Tahs -1.5. There are plenty of unfamiliar names (to me) in both matchday squads, which makes the match result and handicap markets less appealing for me, so I am once again turning my attention to the points line.
At 54.5, this total feels achievable. Historically this line has been hit-and-miss in this fixture, but the surface should be in good condition and while there are showers forecast, they are expected to arrive only after the final whistle. With early-season energy and both sides keen to play, I am happy to side with the over here.
Bet: Highlanders v Crusaders
Posted 12 Feb 09h07
Bet: 2 units (1–5) – Over 56.5 points at 9/10 with Hollywoodbets
The handicap for this clash is Highlanders +7.5, and under the roof in Dunedin we should be in for a high-tempo contest.
Southpaw has flagged the overs in our forum, and when conditions are good in New Zealand derbies that’s generally the direction I prefer as well. With attacking intent typically high in these fixtures and weather not a factor indoors, the points line looks well in range.
BET: Blues v Chiefs
Posted 11 Feb 16h18
Bet: 2 units (1–5) – Blues to win at 35/20 at WSB
The handicap on this game has been tightening, with the +5.5 already gone and the best available line now sitting at Blues +4.5 although they are generally +3.5.
Jacques on our forum has flagged the Blues as big runners this week, and Thursday night’s guest on The Handicap, The Mossman, also makes them favourites.
As mentioned previously, I will be leaning heavily on trusted opinions in the early stages of Super Rugby while form lines settle, and this is a spot where I am happy to get involved early and follow those who have done more research than myself.
I am backing the Blues to get the job done at home.
Round 1 Handicap and Points Lines
Posted 11 Feb
Highlanders +8.5 v Crusaders (56.5)
Waratahs +1.5 v Reds (54.5)
Fijian Drua -8.5 v Moana Pasifika (62.5)
Blues +4.5 v Chiefs
Western Force +1.5 v Brumbies
Outright Betting – Super Rugby Pacific Winner
Chiefs – 3.25
Crusaders – 3.50
Hurricanes – 5.00
Blues – 9.00
Brumbies – 15.00
Highlanders – 15.00
Reds – 17.00
Fijian Drua – 21.00
Waratahs – 34.00
Western Force – 51.00
Moana Pasifika – 200.00
