The following are betting tips for selected fixtures in Round 1 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Be sure to also read the 2026 Super Rugby season preview with futures betting tips.
Compare Super Rugby odds
View the Super Rugby form guide
To take advantage of the odds before they possibly shorten, these previews are usually published before the team sheets are announced. Those who are more risk-averse should wait for the squad lists before wagering.
 |
Highlanders vs. Crusaders |
 |
Crusaders in the head-to-head at 1.40 (bet365)
The Crusaders swatted the Highlanders aside in pre-season and the Crusaders’ bench this week will be stacked with five All Blacks. Spanning from last season, the Highlanders bring 1-10 form into this game, compared to 10-1 for the Crusaders. The Crusaders won and covered the line in their last six away games last year. The Crusaders won ten of their last twelve clashes against the Highlanders. The Highlanders squad lacks depth, which is why the season-ending injuries to Fabian Holland and Dylan Pledger will hurt. The Crusaders covered the line in six of their last eight away games against the Highlanders when installed as the bookmaker’s favourite. The winning margin data is mixed and the line looks fairly accurate, so I will stick to backing the Crusaders the head-to-head market. Given the Crusaders have gone for an All Blacks-laden bench, one higher value play is a SGM for the Highlanders to win the first half and the Crusaders to win the game at 6.50 (bet365).
 |
Waratahs vs. Reds |
 |
Waratahs in the head-to-head at 2.00 (PlayUp)
The Reds have won eight of their last nine against the Waratahs, but Harry Wilson, Tom Lynagh and Carter Gordon are among eleven squad members on the injured list. The Waratahs have firmed into the bookmaker’s favourite for this game (excluding PlayUpPlayUp).
 |
Fijian Drua vs. Moana Pasifika |
 |
Fijian Drua in the head-to-head at 1.30 (bet365)
Over 61.5 at 1.91 (bet365)
This game will be played in the hot, humid conditions of Lautoka, where the Fijian Drua boast a ten-game unbeaten streak. Rounds 1 & 2 of Super Rugby Pacific are historically higher scoring than the season average. Moana Pasifika’s two previous visits to this venue averaged 67 total points. Last season their porous defence resulted in an eye-watering 77 average total score away from home. For these reasons, over 61.5 holds appeal.
 |
Blues vs. Chiefs |
 |
Under 59.5 at 1.52 (bet365)
The Blues averaged 48.9 total scores at home last season, which was the lowest in the league. The Chiefs averaged 51.5 total scores away from home, which was the third lowest in the competition. Twelve of the last thirteen games between the two at Eden Park went under the bookmaker’s total. As I’ve mentioned before, Rounds 1 & 2 tend to be higher scoring than the season average, but last season in this exact matchup the total score was 39: the lowest total of the round. Another factor that could lead to a lower score is both sides will be missing their first-choice fly-halves. Beauden Barrett is on leave for the Blues and Damian McKenzie has the week off due to the birth of his first child.