Super Rugby Round 1 2026 Expert Tips & Predictions

Super Rugby Pacific kicks off tonight with the Highlanders vs. Crusaders, and we’ll have Super Rugby expert tips and predictions for every game of the year.

The featured games in Week 1 include Waratahs vs. Reds, Blues vs. Chiefs, and Force vs. Brumbies.

Super Rugby Pacific Week 1 Tips

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Friday 13/2/26

5:05pm Highlanders vs. Crusaders @ Forsyth Barr Stadium

Betting Tip: Highlanders +7.5 @ $1.90

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The Crusaders are our top tip to win the title, but the Highlanders should put up a good fight at home on Friday night.

They have made plenty of changes to their roster in 2026, and although the Crusaders are packed with classy players, they don’t always hit the ground running and covering a –7.5 spread is tough when you’re trying to shake off the rust.

Playing at home is an ideal way for the Highlanders to prove they’re a threat this season.

Crusaders by 3

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7:35pm Waratahs vs. Reds @ Allianz Stadium

Betting Tip: Reds –5.5 @ $1.90

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It could be another long year for the Waratahs, who haven’t been at their usual high standard over the last few years.

We believe there is more upside with the Reds, who have the likes of Carter Gordon, Hunter Paisami, and some dangerous backs who can break the game open at any stage.

We don’t see much depth with the Waratahs roster, and although they play at home to open the year, the Reds are a much better bet to prevail and cover the –5.5 spread.

Reds by 7

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Saturday 14/2/26

2:35pm Fijian Drua vs. Moana Pasifika @ Churchill Park

Betting Tip: Drua –8.5 @ $1.90

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The Drua are one of our best Super Rugby picks of the week. They have a dangerous team, which is reflected in Super Rugby futures odds.

We don’t rate them as a chance of winning the title, but they should take care of Moana Pasifika, who earned momentum last season before getting rid of their best players. It was a strange move from the franchise, and it’s likely to backfire.

The Drua should run over the top them at Churchill Park in Fiji, which will be rocking.

Drua by 14

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5:05pm Blues vs. Chiefs @ Eden Park

Betting Tip: Blues @ $2.37

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It’s always a good game between the Blues and Chiefs, and we’re picking the home upset on Saturday night.

It won’t be easy for the Blues to beat the current $3 title favourites, but if there is ever a time to make an early impression, it’s now for the Auckland-based franchise.

Beauden Barrett returns from an overseas stint, and his leadership could be enough to get the home team over the line at generous $2.37 odds.

Blues by 4

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7:35pm Force vs. Brumbies @ HBF Park

Betting Tip: Brumbies -5.5 @ $1.90

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The Force had some momentum at the back end of last season, but all things being equal, the Brumbies should have their measure.

The Brumbies have a good mix of experience and youth, and if it all clicks, they should be in for a successful season, especially against Australian teams.

Winning by six points shouldn’t be too hard for the visitors, so include them in Super Rugby Week 1 picks.

Brumbies by 7

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.