2012 Super Rugby Betting Preview - Week 1

February 24 - South African rugby has undergone more change in the last few months than it has for many years. Household names of the last ten or so years including Victor Matfield and John Smit have retired or moved overseas, and we have a new Bok coach in the impressive Heyneke Meyer.

The Super Rugby tournament will be more exciting than ever before, partly due the to exciting local talent that will be on display, but the fact that the most of the teams in each of the three conferences are matched closely this year.

Our Editor, Ryan, will provide weekly previews of all the games, with the latest odds.

Ryan's tipping success ratio in 2011: 72%

All odds provided by Sportsbet.co.za - Get a R100 free bet. Win tickets to the Newlands game between the Stormers and Waratahs. Read the Sportsbet Review to learn how.

Friday 24 February: Blues (-2) v Crusaders (+2) - Auckland

The first round kicks off with one of the biggest local derbies in the competition. The Crusaders have not won the tournament since 2008 and will be without Richie McCaw and Dan Carter for a number of weeks. The Blues on the other hand have recruited well to add to their impressive roster, especially in the backs with the likes of Piri Weepu  and Ma'a Nonu moving to Auckland.

I think that this will be the Blues' year. They often start well and fizzle out towards the latter half of the tournament, but they have the depth and experience this year to go all the way.

Margin Tip: Blues by less than 5 at 3/1

Prediction: Blues by a whisker

Friday, 24 February: Brumbies (-5) v Force (+5), Canberra

South African fans will no doubt keep a keen eye on the Brumbies this year with Jake White steering the ship in Canberra. He has a young squad with many unknown names who will struggle with the pace of Super Rugby. The Brumbies will fight it out with the Rebels for the bottom spot in the Aussie conference. We expect them to come out firing at home and sheer energy will take them to victory in Round 1.

Margin Tip: Brumbies by 6-10 at 3/1

Prediction: Brumbies more than 7

Friday, 24 February: Bulls (-2) v Sharks (+2), Pretoria

Blood, guts and even tears. That is what we have become used to with this encounter of decades. The Bulls have lost about a million caps and enough has been written about the departure of the big names. I am very excited about their youngsters who started to look good towards the end of the 2011 Currie Cup. Plays like Johann Sadie and Derek Hougaard will have the faithful out of their seats and look out for the likes of CJ Stander.

The Sharks have finally recruited a real midfield, and with Lambie at 10, the Durban fans will feel they are onto a winner.

This game is hard to call but I feel the Bulls will surprise this year and do better than expected.

Margin Tip: Bulls by 1-5 at 3/1

Prediction: Bulls by less than a try

Saturday, 25 February: Chiefs (-7) v Highlanders (+7), Hamilton

Cracking encounter with lots to look out for including Sonny Bill Williams in Chiefs colors and the debut of Pom James Haskell for the Clan. Home ground advantage will be the only real difference here.

Margin Tip: Chiefs by 6-10 at 3/1

Prediction: Chiefs by 8

Saturday, 25 February: Waratahs (-2) v Reds (+2), Sydney

Another cracking derby that could well play a big role in determining the eventual winner of the Aussie conference. The Waratahs once again have major injury issues before the season even starts, having lost both their first choice wingers for most of the season, and the fitness of Captain Rocky Elsom still an unknown. The Reds are without the annoyingly good Quade Cooper, but they have a familiar looking squad. We back the Tahs at home though. They will be a well coached side this year and Sarel Pretorius will give them the zing they have lacked in the past.

Margin Tip: Tahs by 1-5 at 3/1

Prediction: Tahs by 3

Saturday, 25 February: Stormers (-12) v Hurricanes(+12), Cape Town

The Stormers need to start their season well. Their inability to score enough points against good sides is what cost them last year when they simply could not break down the Reds defense in the semi final. They meet a rebuilding Hurricanes in round 1 and will be hoping to get early momentum. I can't wait to see new young players like Eben Etzebeth in Super Rugby.

Margin Tip: Stormers by 11-15 at 11/2

Prediction: Stormers by 12

Saturday, 25 February: Lions (-4) v Cheetahs (+4), Johannesburg

With inevitable relegation at stake to make way for the Kings next year, this match has more significance than any other in this round. Wit their amazing Currie Cup win last year you just have to back the Lions who could push many of the top teams to the wire this year. Despite the excitement in Bloem with you Goosen at 10, and the return of Heinrich Brussow, the Cheetahs are likely going to be playing Vodacom Rugby next year.

Margin Tip: Lions by 6-10 at 3/1

Prediction: Lions by 9

All odds provided by Sportsbet.co.za - Get a R100 free bet. Win tickets to the Newlands game between the Stormers and Waratahs. Read the Sportsbet Review to learn how.

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