Online Rugby Betting in South Africa

Rugby betting online adds an exciting layer to watching your favorite team score tries. Beyond the thrill of seeing powerful rugby players dash across the field and battle for the ball, rugby holds a significant history in South Africa. The country has claimed the Rugby World Cup title twice, most recently in 2007 when the tournament was hosted on home soil. We have compiled everything you need to know about betting on rugby online, from understanding rugby betting odds to tips on how to bet strategically and win. Explore various competitions to bet on and find expert rugby predictions from our panel online.

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How to Bet on Rugby Matches

When placing a bet on any rugby game online, you need to ensure you know exactly what you’re doing. Simply knowing which team is favored isn’t enough; you must also ensure you’re betting on a site with competitive odds that is regulated by a reputable third party. Follow these steps to understand how rugby betting works online.

  • SA bettors should compare the best sportsbooks online that offer the most competitive odds. While there are many betting sites offering bets on rugby matches, only a few are licensed by local regulators. Choose a bookmaker that is safe and reviewed by independent gambling experts.
  • Ensure you know the rugby competition you want to wager on. The international rugby calendar features many games throughout the year, including tours for both country and domestic teams. Each game is highly competitive, as teams not only aim for victory but also to improve their rankings. Bettors should choose teams ranked at the top to increase their chances of winning.
  • Select a team with the best odds of winning. Top sportsbooks provide a range of betting odds for players to choose from, and these odds can change depending on the number of people betting on similar outcomes, so it’s wise to bet early.
  • Every rugby bet should be supported by statistics and predictions from analysts and gambling experts. Check each team’s recent performance and expert predictions before placing a bet.

Betting Odds on Rugby Matches

Before placing a bet online, it’s important to understand which betting markets are available for different competitions. Each rugby tournament offers specific betting options that reflect the nature of the matches, with some games being high-scoring and others more conservative. Here are some common betting markets available at South African online betting sites:

  • Handicap betting rugby – Aims to balance the playing field by giving the favorite team a points disadvantage before the game starts. Also known as spread betting, the underdog starts with a points advantage, which can lead to higher payouts if your bet is correct.
  • Moneyline bets – Predicts the winner of the match after it ends. Bettors need to choose which team will have the highest score.
  • Outright bets – Allows bettors to place a wager on which team will win the tournament before it starts, offering potentially high rewards.
  • Rugby Live Bets – Lets players place in-play bets on games in real-time, predicting outcomes as the match unfolds and taking advantage of live scores for better wagering.

Types of Rugby Tournaments

The international rugby calendar features top teams competing for silverware in various prestigious tournaments. Here’s a list of popular rugby competitions to bet on in South Africa:

Rugby Union Betting

The rugby union features teams of 15 players on each side, with matches played over 80 minutes. The rules of rugby union differ from those of rugby league.

Rugby League Bets

Rugby league teams consist of 13 players, and while many rules are similar to rugby union, there are key differences in possession, rucks, and line-out guidelines.

Super Rugby Betting Odds

The Super Rugby competition brings together top teams from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Argentina, with teams traveling between continents in pursuit of glory.

IRB Rugby World Cup Betting Odds

This tournament takes place every four years, with nations needing to qualify to participate. The 2024 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by Japan, and the winner will be crowned the best rugby side in the world.

Rugby Championship Odds

The Rugby Championship is an annual tournament that features South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, crowning the best team in the Southern Hemisphere. Bettors should research the strengths and form of each team when placing bets.

South African Rugby Betting Tips

Expert rugby tipsters provide valuable insights that both beginners and experienced bettors can use. Here are some useful rugby betting tips to consider:

  • Take into account the type of match and competition. For example, Rugby Sevens features seven players on each team and is more likely to be high-scoring than matches with more players.
  • Check team rosters to ensure key players are participating, as teams perform at their best when fully staffed.
  • Review head-to-head statistics and recent match results to get a sense of each team’s form.

Online Betting in South Africa

Another key factor we consider when evaluating the best online sports betting sites is the variety of betting markets they offer. The top sportsbooks provide a blend of international tournaments and local competitions. For example, the best site for betting on football may not be the best for cricket odds. Therefore, our recommended sites for South African punters must strike a balance, offering a wide range of the best betting markets from around the world.

Thankfully, the leading online sports gambling sites have long recognized this need and have worked to provide a comprehensive selection of markets. You can confidently place your bets on any of the top sports betting markets we recommend below.