When you think of handicap betting in the world of Rugby Union, you probably think about bets like first try scorer or corner flag to corner flag. Those are fairly common and straightforward bets without much scope for different types of wagers.
However, if you have a look at the world of rugby handicap betting beyond those standard markets, you will see an extremely extensive list with some very interesting propositions. That is because there are a lot more variations on the theme than many people would expect.
This post will explain and explore every type of rugby handicap bet that exists, so you can get acquainted with them and start placing your money on bookmakers that offer them. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to place these types of wagers effectively and where to find them online as well as in real life betting shops. Let’s get started!
What is rugby handicap betting?
A handicap bet is essentially a two-way bet, which means that you are predicting both outcomes of a match. For example, if you are betting on the Reds to beat the Blues, you are also betting that the Blues will beat the Reds and vice versa.
The way that a handicap bet works is that one of the teams is given a head start or “handicap” so that the scores are always level and there is no chance of one team winning by more than the pre-determined margin.
Normally, the handicap is usually given in the form of points and it is usually the away team that is given the handicap. In a rugby union match, the home side is given a 5-point handicap and the away side only a 0-point handicap.
That is because rugby union is a sport in which the home team has the advantage. In cricket and many other sports, the away team is given the handicap because, in those sports, the away team often has the advantage.
Two of the most popular Rugby Union handicap bets explained
There are several rugby handicaps bets that you can consider for a match. Here are two of the most common rugby handicap bets:
- Full Time Handicap Bet – One of the most common types of handicap bet, this is a bet that is settled on the end result of the match after both halves have been played. This is the most straightforward way to place a handicap bet because you don’t need to predict anything other than the outcome of the match. To place this type of bet, you just need to look at the current market and place your money on the team you think will win the match. The Full Time Handicap is always given to the home team and is of the following format: Home -4, Home -3, Home -2, Home -1, Home Even, Away +1, Away +2.
- Half Time Handicap Bet – This is a bet that is settled at half time in the match, although some bookmakers offer Half Time Handicap Bets for the end of the first half. Again, this is a very straightforward bet that you can settle by just looking at the current betting market and placing your money on the team you think will win the match. The Half Time Handicap is always given to the home team and is of the following format: Home -3, Home -2, Home -1, Home Even, Away +1, Away +2.
Which teams offer full time and half time handicap bets?
The teams that offer Full Time Handicaps are the same teams that offer Half Time Handicaps. You will find that all of the teams that play at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff also have a Full Time Handicap Betting market.
That’s because Cardiff is the host city for international rugby union matches and the home team always has a 5-point handicap. The same applies for teams that play at Twickenham Stadium in London, which is also a well-known venue for international rugby union matches.
Corner flag to corner flag handicap bet
This bet is settled on the first try of the match and is a very simple three-way bet. You are predicting whether the first try will be scored by the home team, away team, or nobody. It is a very straightforward bet because there are only three outcomes and one way to settle it.
The corner flag to corner flag handicap is always given to the away team, and it is of the following format: Home -1, Home Even, Away +1. There are three countries that offer a corner flag to corner flag handicap betting market: Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Which countries have first try scoring markets?
There are several teams that offer first try scoring markets, and this is a very common type of handicap bet. You just need to look at the current market and place your money on the team you think will score the first try.
The following countries have first try scoring markets: Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales, and Zimbabwe. This is a popular handicap bet in rugby and you may find that more countries will offer it in the future.
Final words
As you can see from this post, there are a lot of different types of rugby handicap bets that you can place. The best thing about them is that there is something for everyone. Whether you want to bet on the outcome of the match or just on the first try scorer, there is a variety of markets for you to choose from.
All you need to do is look at the current market and place your money on the team you think will win the market you are betting on. You will need to find a reputable online bookmaker that offers rugby handicap bets. We recommend that you compare the odds offered by these bookies before you place your bets.
Many online bookmakers in the UK will insist that you verify your identity but there are international bookies that offer rugby handicap betting that allow you to bet without an ID. It is also possible to find an online bookmaker where you can bet without email.
