2009 Super 14 - South African Team Preview

It seems as if it starts earlier each year and it's hard to believe that the Super 14 is about to start again. The South African teams will all be looking to improve on last year's showing, especially the Sharks who got to the semis but fizzled out when it mattered (helped along by their most disastrous player acquisition ever - Tongan Headbutting Epi). In this preview, we look at the prospects of the South African teams in the 2009 Super 14 tournament, which kicks of on February 13.

De Bulls

Alias: Big Fat Biltong Biting Bastards

In 2008, the Bully Boys looked lost without their captain, Victor Matfield, or was it as a result of a coach who looked to be out of his depth? We'll soon find out, because big Vic is back and so is his partner (often in "crime"), Bakkies Botha for what some call "arguably" the best lock combination in the world. Well they can stop arguing, because it is. However, this is not where the Bulls will have problems.

Their undoing last year was a total inability to adapt to the ELV's and it appeared as if neither the coach, nor the players had any plan at all. The Bulls will once again be tough to dismantle at Loftus, but it's on the road where the problems will once again start.

Strengths

Set piece, strong ball runners, kicking game. (That looks awfully thin).

Weaknesses

A lack of creativity in the 10/12/13 axis. Inability to adapt to the ELV's, especially the breakdown. Travel - just not good on the road.

Prediction

Other than a few good performances at home, the road trip will once again prove a flight or three too far. 8th.

Odds

Ladbrokes has the Bulls at 10/1 for the title. Keep your money. We're in a financial downturn after all.

The Cheetahs

Alias: Cheaters (ask the Sydney crowd why)

If Juan Smit stays fit, the Cheetahs will improve on their 13th place last year. No I am not crazy. They lost by less that seven on six occasions and wit the experience of Smit it could have been very different. With Smit there we think theyCheetahs will cause a few upsets this year, but most of their campaign will be a disappointment for their fans. They simply do not have enough class across the park.

Strengths

Juan Smith. Bloemfontein. Boerewors. 10/12 combination can shake up a few defenses.

Weaknesses

Defense was bad last year. They just have a very average look across the park.

Prediction

Look for them to go a couple more wins than last year so 11th.

Betting

50/1 could get you out of a financial crisis. Pigs can also fly.

The Lions

Alias: Puss Cats

At least one thing is certain. Loffie Eloff will talk about how proud he is of these guys and how hard they work. Again, and again, and again. Alas, it will once again not be enough. They have lost some good players and haven't made up much in the off season. Whilst Eloff is trying to get them to play an exciting and expansive style of rugby, they just never seem to posses enough skills to execute. Even the return of Andre Pretorius (until here gets injured again) won't make a difference we fear.

Strengths

They work really hard. Really. The few good things that Earl Rose will do.

Weaknesses

The many comical things Earl Rose will do.

Prediction

14. Again. Sorry.

Betting

A whopping 100/1 at Ladbrokes.com. No sounds financial principles exist that could make you even bet a chewed up dog bone.

The Sharks

Alias: Guppie Fish

The Sharks are real contenders this year and will grow under John Plumtree who coached them to the 2008 Currie Cup. Even though they have losts a number of players, including prop BJ Botha, inside-centre Brad Barritt, French five-eighth Frederic Michalak and utility forward AJ Venter, they have real depth to absorb the losses.

Strengths

Classy players in pretty much every position. The Sharks play an expansive style that is ideally suited to the ELVs built on a solid pack of forwards. The return on Smit is huge for the, Muller is a good captain but went missing in the torrid semi final loss in Sydney last year. Smit's steadying influence can not be underestimated.

Weaknesses

Overconfidence. Tend to try and do too much at times. The breakdown let them down last year and they will hope to improve.

Prediction

Second. Look for them to get the home semi final and lose to the Hurricanes in the final.

Betting

Very good value at Ladbrokes at 6/1

The Stormers

Alias: Breezes or Luke's Vomit Squad, depending who you ask

The perennial under achievers. Every year the Western Cape fans believe it is their year and every year it goes wrong. The Stormers possess a starting 15 that will have all the other teams worried and they have travelled well. However, they fall over in the big moments. Last year saw them narrowly missing out on a Semi spot after losing a few critical games and missing out on bonus points. They look great with ball in hand but seem to have mastered the art of botched scoring opportunities.

Strengths

Flair. Can score brilliant tries. Back row will be good (even if they play the overrated Watson).

Weaknesses

Front row depth. They struggled when a few front rankers got injured last year and the still don't have the depth. Nerve. They don't hold it when it counts. The guy who pukes on jerseys canlt be good for morale. Inconsistency.

Prediction

Another agonizing miss - 5th.

Betting

12/1 at Ladbrokes.

Check out our Super 14 Betting Odds - updated live.

Look out for our Kiwi and Aussie previews.

Tell A Friend