Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific comes off the back of an eventful opening weekend that delivered close games, big swings in momentum, and a reminder that this competition rarely follows the script early in the season. In this blog we will keep an eye on the betting and also get a few bets down as kick offs approach.
Handicaps are out
Posted 16 Feb 08h50
Below are the early handicaps at Betxchange in brackets next to my projections
Hurricanes -20.5 (-12.5) v Moana Pasifika
Waratahs -16.5 (-11.5) v Fijian Drua
Highlanders +6.5 (+9.5) v Chiefs
Western Force +11.5 (+11.5) v Blues
Crusaders -9.5 (-8.5) v Brumbies
A couple of big differences but I am going to wait and see what the market thinks
Bookies 1 BG 0
Posted 15 Feb 08h15
I had an absolute shocker going 0/4 with only my early Blues outright bet giving me a run for my money.
Round 1 Results Recap
- Highlanders 25–23 Crusaders – A tight New Zealand derby where the Highlanders +8.5 underdogs edged it late. My over 56.5 never looked a runner.
- Waratahs 36–12 Reds – A dominant statement from the Tahs, who looked sharp and justified the money that saw them start slight favourites. I was on the overs again sadly.
- Fijian Drua 26–40 Moana Pasifika – Moana made history with a powerful attacking display and they overturned a 9 point handicap. No bet – my best decision of the week.
- Blues 15–19 Chiefs – The Chiefs had to fight back for the win and my 35/20 Blues outright play was in the bin.
- Western Force 24–56 Brumbies – The Force were the Force, promising plenty but delivering little and I sense this was a good result for the bookies as I was on the Force at 11/10 but there they had been well backed from +5.5.
Outright Betting – After Round 1
The Chiefs have firmed into outright favouritism at 2/1, looking the most balanced side after Week 1. The Crusaders remain close behind at 3/1, despite a narrow opening loss, while the Hurricanes sit next in line at 9/2 with a favourable early draw.
The Blues have drifted slightly to 8/1 after an underwhelming start, while the Australian challenge is led by the Brumbies at 11/1. The Highlanders (11/1) and Waratahs (16/1) are given chances, with the remaining sides priced at longer odds as development projects rather than genuine title contenders.
Round 2 Fixtures and projected handicaps
These are my projected handicaps which will be compared to the bookmakers some time on Monday
Friday 20 February 2026
- Hurricanes -20.5 v Moana Pasifika
- Waratahs -16.5 v Fijian Drua
Saturday 21 February 2026
- Highlanders +6.5 v Chiefs
- Western Force +11.5 v Blues
Sunday 22 February 2026
- Crusaders -9.5 v Brumbies