What “Rest of the Match” Means in Rugby Betting
The “Rest of the Match” market lets you bet on which team will score more points from the current moment until the final whistle, ignoring the score that’s already been made.
In other words, the previous score (7:14) only sets the starting point for this market — it doesn’t count toward your bet result.
You’re betting on who performs better for the remainder of the game.
Example Scenario
Current Score:
Team A – 7
Team B – 14
Let’s say the game is at half-time.
A sportsbook might offer odds like:
| Option | Description | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Team A – Rest of Match | Team A to outscore Team B from now until full-time | 2.20 |
| Team B – Rest of Match | Team B to outscore Team A from now until full-time | 1.70 |
| Draw – Rest of Match | Both teams score the same number of points for the rest of the match | 9.00 |
How It’s Settled
Suppose the final score is:Team A 21 – Team B 24
Now calculate the points scored from the time the bet started (7:14) to full time:
- Team A scored: 21 – 7 = 14 points
- Team B scored: 24 – 14 = 10 points
So, Team A wins the “Rest of the Match” market (because they scored 14 vs. 10 in the remainder of the game).
Even though Team B won the overall match, your bet on Team A “Rest of the Match” wins because they outscored Team B after 7:14.
Why Bettors Use This Market
The “Rest of the Match” market is popular for live or in-play betting because it:
- Focuses on momentum rather than the existing lead.
- Allows you to back a comeback if you think a trailing team will dominate the rest of the game.
- Helps you hedge or cover earlier bets.
Example Situations
Example 1:
Current score: Team A 7 – Team B 14 (early 2nd half)
You believe Team A is playing better now — they have strong possession and territory.
Bet: Team A – Rest of Match
If they outscore Team B in the remaining time (even if they still lose overall), your bet wins.
Example 2:
Current score: Team A 10 – Team B 28 (late 1st half)
Team B dominates and looks unstoppable.
Bet: Team B – Rest of Match
You’re backing them to keep momentum and outscore Team A again in the remaining minutes.
Betting Tips
1. Watch Momentum Shifts
- Rugby is a game of momentum — if a team starts winning lineouts, scrums, or territory after trailing, it’s often a good sign to back them in “Rest of Match”.
2. Consider Substitutions
- Late substitutions can change intensity. Fresh legs often mean more points, especially for stronger benches.
3. Weather and Conditions
- If rain starts mid-game, scoring usually slows down. In such cases, “Draw – Rest of Match” or the team with better forwards may be worth considering.
4. Use the Score Context
- A team leading by a big margin might relax defensively or rotate players — the trailing team could easily outscore them in the rest of the match even if they don’t catch up.
5. Live Watch Advantage
- Always bet live if you can watch. A team with momentum (e.g., multiple phases, pressure near the try line) is a strong “Rest of Match” pick.
Quick Recap
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rest of Match (7:14) | Bet on who scores more points from now until full-time. |
| Not about final score | The current score is ignored for settlement. |
| Used for live betting | Great for bettors watching the match unfold. |
Example Recap:
| Time | Team A | Team B | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Bet | 7 | 14 | Current score |
| Final Score | 21 | 24 | After full time |
| Points from Bet Start | 14 | 10 | Team A outscored Team B |
| Winning Bet | Team A – Rest of Match |