Super 14 betting

From the Sports Trader blog

I love the Super 14... In all honesty I think it trumps the World Cup for sheer intensity of rugby action.

With that in mind I thought I would have a look at the betting at World Sports Betting and see if there was any value to be had?

Outright winner:
Crusaders - 5/2
Hurricanes - 9/2
Sharks - 6/1
Blues - 7/1
Chiefs - 10/1
Bulls - 12/1
Stormers - 12/1
Waratahs - 12/1
Brumbies - 16/1
Western Force - 50/1
Highlanders - 66/1
Reds - 66/1
Cheetahs - 100/1
Lions - 200/1

The Crusaders can play down the loss of Dan Carter but they've got to be hurting a little. You can't shrug off a key play maker.

I thought the Brumbies at 16/1 would make for some good value and the Stormers at 12/1 are an emotional pick.

The Lions are an interesting one this year... 200/1... If they could sort out their flyhalf issues I reckon they could surprise. The team put a lot of hard graft into their Currie Cup campaign and looked like they were starting to gel in 2008. They're not a team anyone is going to back to win it, but don't be surprised if they make some of their opponents work harder than expected for a win.

Winning nations
New Zealand - 11/20
South Africa - 5/2
Australia - 6/1

If you're following the Brumbies bet then it makes sense to take Aus here as well..