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Super Rugby 2026 Round 2 Betting Tips - Consecutive Super Rugby defeats for the Crusaders?

ben-darvill
Ben Darvill
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Last updated: 18 Feb 2026
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Ben Darvill 18 Feb 2026
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  • Super Rugby Round 2 kicks off on Friday, February 20 
  • Highlighted matches include Highlanders vs Chiefs and Crusaders vs Brumbies
  • Preview, stats & head to head 
Ethan Blackadder of the Crusaders (Getty Images)
Ethan Blackadder of the Crusaders (Getty Images)

Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 Best Bets 


The second round of the new Super Rugby season kicks off on Friday as the Hurricanes host Moana Pasifika. With the season already throwing up some huge performances and surprising results, we have brought together our best bets for the second round of the tournament. 

Highlanders vs Chiefs 


The Highlanders finally put an end to a worrying six-game losing run as they notched a stunning 25-23 win over the Crusaders in the opening round of the tournament. The Highlanders were still in the game at half-time, trailing 10-8, with a thrilling second-half seeing them win 17-13, with the full time score seeing the Highlanders come out on top in a 25-23 win as the home side slotted a penalty in the 79th minute. 

While the Highlanders have failed to win any of their last seven against their opponents, their battling performance in game one means I am backing them with a handicap. The home side will relish the chance to get one over on their opponents, and I back this to be a close game. 

The Chiefs also came through a tight match last week as they scored and converted a try in the 76th minute to edge into a 19-15 lead. This win saw the Chiefs bounce back at the first time of asking following their stunning 16-12 loss to the Crusaders in the Super Rugby grand final last season. 

While the Chiefs have been good against the Highlanders across recent meetings, I predict that this match will likely be an incredibly tight one that could go either way. The Highlanders showed real fighting spirit in their win over the Crusaders, while the Chiefs were fortunate to come away with the win over the Blues last week. 

Crusaders vs Brumbies


The Crusaders were dealt a sickening blow in their opening match as they were beaten 25-23 by the Highlanders in a thrilling match. A 79th minute penalty for the home side proved the difference, with the Crusaders unable to build on leading 10-8 at half-time. 

Defeat brought an end to a six-game winning run that culminated in the Crusaders winning the Super Rugby grand final against the Chiefs last June. While they were shown that they will not have everything their own way this season, I predict that they will get back to winning ways at the first time of asking. 

The Brumbies needed a big performance to bring an end to a five-game losing run as they took to the pitch for the first time this season. Against the Force they completely outplayed their opponents in a stunning 56-24 win that has seen the Brumbies move to the top of the ladder.

Worrying for the Brumbies is that they have lost their last seven on the road against the Crusaders, and I back their winning start to make way for a defeat in their second match. 

Verdict

I am backing the Highlanders with a +8 point handicap along with the Crusaders grinding to a 1-12 point win. 

Best Bet1: Highlanders +8 Handicap Bet @100.00 at Shuffle - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Crusaders 1-12 Winning Margin @200.00 at Shuffle - 1 Unit
Highlanders +8
Handicap Bet
@100.00 - 1 Unit
25,000 Gold Coins + 1 Shuffle Cash
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Bet at Shuffle
Crusaders 1-12
Winning Margin
@200.00 - 1 Unit
25,000 Gold Coins + 1 Shuffle Cash
with referral code MADMAX

Join Shuffle.us using the referral code MADMAX and claim 25,000 Gold Coins + 1 Shuffle Cash to use at this leading crypto operator. No purchase is necessary to play. Promotions are void where prohibited by law. Shuffle.us is a play-for-fun website intended for amusement purposes only. Shuffle.us does not offer “real-money gambling.” Shuffle.us is a Social Gaming Platform and is only open to Eligible Participants, who are at least eighteen (18) years old or the age of majority in their jurisdiction (whichever occurs later) at the time of entry. Shuffle.us is committed to responsible social play, for more information visit gamingaddictsanonymous.org. Please read their Privacy Policy for more information. 21+.

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