2026 Super Rugby Round 1 Fixtures, Preview & Odds - An early look at the round one odds for Super Rugby 2026

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

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Crusaders favored over Highlanders in opener, odds 1.38.
Waratahs vs Reds predicted as a tight contest, Waratahs 2.20.
Blues vs Chiefs anticipated as game of the weekend, Blues 2.35 odds.

Super Rugby Round 1 Odds and Preview (Getty Images)

The 2026 Super Rugby competition kicks off this coming weekend - 13 February. Below we take a brief look at all the games and the odds on offer.

Super Rugby Round 1 Fixtures & Odds

The odds used on the previews below are from SuperSportBet.

Highlanders vs Crusaders

Friday, 13 February

Kick Off: 08:05 (SAST)

The Crusaders are the defending champions after beating the Chiefs in the 2025 final. They will be hoping to get the season off to a positive start in Dunedin, although the Highlanders, despite a 10th place finish last year, have the quality to upset the odds.

The early odds favour the Crusaders with a win paying 1.38 and the Highlanders priced at 3.10. The handicap is set at 7.5 points and pays 1.91 either way.

Waratahs vs Reds

Friday, 13 February

Kick Off: 10:35 (SAST)

The Waratahs had a decent campaign in 2025, particularly at home where they won their first five matches. However, they failed to win a single game on the road and finished eighth. The Reds on the other hand finished fifth, qualifying for the playoffs but lost out at the first hurdle.

The bookmakers expect a tight contest here with the Waratahs paying 2.20 for the win at the Reds 1.68. The handicap is set at 2.5 points and pays 1.91 both ways.

Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika

Saturday, 14 February

Kick Off: 05:35 (SAST)

Fijian Drua had a very poor campaign in 2025, finishing dead last with just four wins in their 14 matches. However, the previous two seasons they qualified in the top eight. It wouldn't be wise to right them off this season. Moana had their best campaign yet in 2025, finishing seventh with six victories, including one over Fijian Drua.

The early odds favour Drua with a win paying 1.33 while a victory for Moana Pasifika is valued at 3.35. These are usually high-scoring affairs which could bring in the under/over points market, currently listed at over/under 61.5 points. The handicap is at 8.5.

Blues vs Chiefs

Saturday, 14 February

Kick Off: 08:05 (SAST)

The Blues were far below their best in 2025, finishing sixth on the table while the Chiefs ended as runners up to the Crusaders. This should be the game of the weekend, especially with the Blues playing at home.

A Blues home win is valued at 2.35 while the Chiefs are short priced at 1.60. The handicap is currently set at 3.5 and pays 1.91 both ways.

Western Force vs Brumbies

Saturday, 14 February

Kick Off: 10:35 (SAST)

The Western Force finished 2025 in ninth place while the Brumbies ended third. However, the Force beat the Brumbies and have a good home record, especially against Australian sides.

While they are expected to have vastly different seasons, for this fixture in Perth the Force at paying 2.10 to win and the Brumbies 1.75. The handicap is set at 1.5 points.