Rugby, a sport known for its physicality and strategy, has gained a loyal following worldwide, particularly in regions like the UK, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
As the popularity of rugby grows, so does the interest in rugby betting. Whether it’s the Six Nations, Rugby Championship, or the Rugby World Cup, fans have plenty of opportunities to wager on their favourite teams and players. However, different types of bets appeal to different types of rugby enthusiasts. Understanding these popular bets can help fans enjoy the sport more while making informed decisions.
The most common type of rugby bet is the match outcome, also known as the moneyline bet. This straightforward wager involves betting on which team will win the match. Given rugby's competitive nature, predicting a match's winner requires careful consideration of team form, player injuries, and even weather conditions, which can significantly affect gameplay. Rugby enthusiasts who follow the sport closely often prefer this type of bet because it allows them to apply their knowledge of the teams and recent performances.
In a match between England and South Africa, for instance, a fan might bet on England to win based on their strong lineup and recent victories. However, it’s important to remember that upsets are frequent in rugby, and even underdog teams can surprise with a win, which adds excitement to this betting type.
Handicap betting is another popular option, particularly when there is a clear favourite and an underdog. In this type of bet, bookmakers give the weaker team a points advantage (handicap) to level the playing field. Let’s say, New Zealand is heavily favoured to win against Argentina, a handicap of -15 might be given to New Zealand, meaning they must win by more than 15 points for a bet on them to succeed. Conversely, betting on Argentina with a +15 handicap means they can lose by up to 15 points, and the bet will still win.
This type of bet appeals to rugby fans who like to bet on games that might otherwise seem one-sided. By adding the handicap, the game becomes more competitive from a betting perspective, and bettors can find value in matches where they might not otherwise place a wager.
For those who enjoy predicting game flow rather than just the outcome, over/under bets are a popular choice. This bet involves wagering on whether the total number of points scored by both teams will be over or under a number set by the bookmaker. Rugby games can vary significantly in terms of points scored, depending on factors like team tactics, weather conditions, and player form.
A fan might bet that the total points scored in a match between Australia and France will be over 45. If both teams are known for high-scoring games and attacking play, this might seem like a safe bet. On the other hand, a defensive match in rainy conditions could lead to fewer points, making an under bet more appealing.
Bets on individual player performances are becoming increasingly popular, and one of the most exciting options in rugby is the first try scorer bet. This bet involves predicting which player will score the first try in a match. Given the nature of rugby, where both forwards and backs can score tries, this type of bet can be quite unpredictable, making it thrilling for bettors.
Rugby fans who closely follow player form, team tactics, and matchups are more likely to succeed with this type of bet. A punter might back a winger to score the first try based on their speed and recent try-scoring form, or they might choose a forward if they anticipate the game will be tight, with tries likely to come from set pieces close to the goal line.
