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

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. 

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. 

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.