Rugby Super 14 - 2009 Season - Round 1 Betting Preview

Friday 13 February - Highlanders vs Brumbies, Dunedin

It's really hard to care about this game. As usual, the Aussies are talking up the Brumbies chances and I must admit they look handy. Good news for people who like to throw things at the TV is that Clyde Rathbone is back for the Brumbies. Prediction: Brumbies by 1-12 because the Landers are just so crap.

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Highlanders 6/5, Brumbies 4/6

Friday, Force vs Blues, Customary cricket pitch in Pretoria West, uhm, sorry I mean Perth

The Blues have always played a good brand of rugby and they now have a coach that everyone in Auckland loves - Pat Lam. They hated Aussie Nucifora and for once there will be harmony in their squad. It's a bit scary actually. Talk about harmony, that's something the Farce haven't had with recent enquiries into coach Mitchell's authoritarian ways (As a Kiwi friend of mine said, "It looks like Mitch is making friends again"). Add the fact that they have no front five to write home about and life looks hard for the purple lot against the top teams. Prediction: Blues by 1-12

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Force 11/10, Blues 8/11

Friday, Lions vs Cheetahs, Coca-Cola Park (It's Ellis Park ffs I'll never get used to this)

Most people say this game will determine who finishes last. I am not so sure and I think the Lions will win a couple of games at home this year (and hurt the finals aspirations of a few travelling teams). Prediction: Lions by 1-7

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Lions 4/6, Cheetahs 6/5

Saturday, 14 February, Crusaders vs Chiefs, Hell for visiting rugby teams otherwise known as Christchurch

Like the big local SA derby, this is a huge game and we all look forward to seeing how much the loss of Coach Deans, Jesus Carter and a host of experienced players will hurt the Saders. The Chiefs have a mean backline and if their forwards can hold up they will be a force. Prediction: Chiefs upset by 7-12

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Crusaders n/a, Chiefs n/a

Saturday, Hurricanes vs Waratahs, Cake Tin in Wellington

Another huge game for the first round. The Hurricanes won the local cup in New Zealand and have a very settled look about them (except for flyhalf where they could have problems). The Tahs have lost Vickerman, Elsom and Fatboy Dunning to name but a few. Their tight five could take some strain but they have a lot of class. One has to go with the home team. Prediction: Canes by 1-7

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Canes n/a, Waratahs n/a

Saturday, Stormers vs The Sharks, Newlands Rugby Stadium in Slaapstad

What a huge game and one worries about injuries in these hate fest bliksemdonder type of affairs. The Sharks will start with a slightly weaker than expected front row which is lucky for the Stormers because their front row is pretty average. The Stormers promise so much every year, but we think not much has changed. Sharks look class. Prediction: Sharks edge a close and bloody battle by less than 7.

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Stormers n/a, Sharks n/a

Saturday, Bulls vs Reds, The Bull Ring

The Reds have lots of injuries and loads of young players. The Bulls looked crap in the warmups but with Vic leading from the front they should win this comfortably. Add 50,000 bedonderde boere to the mix and visiting teams will once again struggle. Prediction: Bulls by 12-18 in a game that won't be pleasing on the eye.

Match Odds at Ladbrokes.com: Bulls n/a, Reds n/a

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