Super 14 Rugby - Round 1 Betting Odds and Preview

February 14 - The Super 14 Rugby kicks of this weekend. Here are the latest odds and some good value bets for the opening round, courtesy of Bet365.com:

Auckland Blues v Waikato Chiefs

On paper, The Chiefs look like a threat to most teams and traveling to the land of cowbells will be a tough assignment for all. The Blues have promised much but often failed to deliver. Bet365 have the Blues as the favorite at 2/5 and the Chiefs at 2/1. We think they may have it wrong and the Chiefs , even if it's an away game for them.

Canterbury Crusaders v ACT Brumbies

Both teams have been decimated by injuries, retirement and the loss of major player to overseas clubs. Little surprise here with the Crusaders favorite at 4/9.We think it might blow out to a winning margin of 16 to 20 points which offers good odds at 11/2.

Free State Cheetahs v Lions

Most people will say that this is the battle of the wooden spoon in the firs round. Until we see the Highlanders play we reserve judgment. Cheetahs the slight favorite but only because of home advantage.

Natal Sharks v Western Force

Quokka's anyone? Or how about breaking your teammate's jaw? They have the nerve to call South Africans thugs. The Sharks to hopefully break a few more jaws and it looks likely as they are an 8/13 favorite.

NSW Waratahs v Wellington Hurricanes

The hurricanes have had the wood over the Tahs but the Sydney team has a full squad to choose from for the first tiem in a thousand years. The Tahs are 8/1/ but there's value here in a close finish - Tahs by 1-5 points at 5/1 looks good.

Queensland Reds v Otago Highlanders

Highlanders look pretty thin on the ground but they are playing the Reds though. highlanders have no front row and the Reads will actually have two professional fatties on the park for the first time in a million years. At home, with Latham and all the other banjo players fit, the Reads are an obvious favorite. The are unlikely to cave in yet, that will happen on the road.

Western Stormers v Bulls

Match of the round. Heyneke gone, Vic gone. Rassie will have the disco lights going at home. Bet365 say Stormers are even money with Bulls the favorite. We say they have it wrong. Look for value in a close finish - Stormers at 11/2 to win by less than 5.

There are of course loads of other market such as winning margins, tries scored, most point and much, much more to bet on so check out Bet365.com.

At the time of writing, Ladbrokes.com had the following odds to win the Super 14 title:

• Crusaders 9/4
• Blues 7/2
• Bulls 5/1
• Canes 9/1
• Sharks 9/1
• Chiefs 10/1
• Tahs 10/1
• Brumbies 20/1
• Force 33/1
• Cheetahs 50/1
• Stormers 50/1
• Reds 66/1
• Highlanders 100/1
• Lions 100/1

(Sharks look like good value. We think the English handicappers aren't close enough to the competition to realise the impact of losing players will have on the Crusaders, Bulls and Blues. A couple of bob on the Sharks at 9/1 might not be a bad idea). Bet now at Ladbrokes.com, the world's biggest and most trusted bookmaker.

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