2008 Super 14 Rugby

[Big Bets]

Great to see the Super 14 Rugby getting under way this weekend. Should be an open, fast competition this year with all of NZ's best players involved from the outset and the ELV laws coming into effect to quicken the game up. This weekend has the competitions consistently best team, the Crusaders taking on the once-strong Brumbies in Christchurch. The Crusaders should really dominate up front and be too classy in the backs. The Brumbies have lost Jeremy Paul, Gregan and Larkham and are going to have to blood some rookies. Crusaders to do it easily. Look for the Waratahs to start well this year. They usually start the competition with a bang ay home and will have a good line up this year, with Phil Waugh and Vickerman back on deck. The Hurricanes won't be easy beats though, and this could be a cracking match. Waratahs to win in a high-scoring match. Looking at some value betting for the season, the Chiefs are at $2.15 to make the top 4, while the Force are $6 to be the best placed Australian team. The Force had a great year last year and if they remain injury free they will give plenty of teams a shake. They have to overcome a bad draw though to start the season off well, with 3 games away in a row. Crusaders are $3 to win the comp, and the Blues are the next best pick at $4.50. Waratah's at $8 show some early value.