Please find below Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan’s preview of the 2013 Super Rugby season, ahead of Friday night’s season opener between the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force.
Crusaders – $4.75
The team to beat. With Richie McCaw on hiatus I am happy to take them on this year though. Always present in the finals.
Chiefs – $6.50
Last year’s Super Rugby Premiers. Biggest loss for them is Sonny Bill Williams. They have picked up some handy players that will come off the bench though. Tim Nanai-Williams is moving from the wing to the centres which will provide them with more attacking flare but obviously will not make up the defensive hole left by SBW. One of the main contenders again.
Stormers – $7.00
Very consistent and will be one of the teams to beat this year. They have a few injury concerns for the earlier rounds but expect them to be firing when they are at full strength. Schalk Burger missed the majority of the Super Rugby season last year and will be pumped to make a big return this year. They have picked up former Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies which will give them a bit more depth in the halves. They are my TOP PICK for the premiership.
Reds – $10.00
Quade Cooper staying is a huge boost for the Reds as he provides them with the attacking ability that saw them take out the premiership 2 years ago. Biggest loss for the Reds is Scott Higginbotham who left for the Rebels. They do have good depth in their forwards and I am sure the likes of young gun Liam Gill will be able to make up for the loss of Higginbotham. TOP PICK Australian team.
Sharks – $10
They looked impressive in their trial matches but injuries to two key players, Keegan Daniel and Tim Whitehead, will make the start of the season difficult for the Sharks. A strong team that should benefit from Patrick Lambie’s move from fullback to flyhalf, but I feel they may struggle this year and miss the Top 6.
Waratahs – $11.00
As always there’s plenty of hype around the team particularly with their star signing Israel Folau and their new coach Michael Cheika. They tend to be the most hyped team every year and tend not to deliver. Berrick Barnes is out for a couple of weeks and the loss of Rob Horne will hurt them defensively in the centres for up to 6 weeks. If they can attack this year instead of just kicking the ball away they may make the finals, but I am tipping them to miss the finals this year.
Highlanders – $11.00
The Highlanders have gone on a spending spree this year and are hoping to buy themselves a premiership in the process. They have picked up Ma’a Nonu from the Blues, and both Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock from the Crusaders. They surprised everyone last year and I believe they can do the same this year and make the final 6.
Hurricanes – $13.00
The Canes have lost one of their senior backs this year in Corey Jane. Although he plays on the wing, he was an integral part of their team and a try scoring machine. I think they will struggle this year.
Brumbies – $13.00
Biggest acquisition this year is David Pocock from the Force. Clyde Rathbone is returning to his once illustrious rugby career and gives them plenty of opportunities out wide. The Brumbies had a good season last year and expect a bald showing again this year.
Bulls – $16.00
Not too much to say here. Maybe a touch of value as I believe they will be thereabouts come finals time. Always a hard team to beat especially at home.
Blues – $17.00
Disappointing last season. They have got rid of Ma’a Nonu who caused more headaches for the Blues then he did the opposition. Also they have elected a new coach in John Kirwan who will bring plenty to the team. Bit of a smokey for top NZ team.
Rebels – $51.00
They do have some very good players in their backline in Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor but whether they gel with the remaining backline remains to be seen. Scott Higginbotham comes from the Reds and will give them plenty of opportunities up front. Don’t think they will be making the top 6.
Cheetahs – $101.00
Tend to be competitive through at least several matches in the season. Always a tough team to beat at home.
Force – $126.00
Will struggle this year.
Kings – $501.00
My tip for the Wooden Spoon.