Online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au says Waratahs flyhalf Berrick Barnes will score more points in the 2012 Super Rugby season than Melbourne Rebel James O’Connor.

Barnes has been installed as the $1.82 favourite and O’Connor at $1.92 in their head-to-head shoot-out for most points.

“Both players can score points so the personal battle between them will be great to watch but we expect Berrick to have a few more shots at goal than James so as a result he starts as slight favourite,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

Punters have also voiced their opinion on who they think will win the Round 1 showdown between the Waratahs and Reds at ANZ Stadium, with 94% of bets taken on the head-to-head market coming for the Quade Cooper-less Queensland.

The Reds have firmed from $2.25 to $2.20 to win the match but the ‘Tahs remain strong favourites at $1.65.

“That is an overwhelming statement by the punters,” Hawes said. “They are simply not interested in the Waratahs.”

sportsbet.com.au is celebrating the arrival of the 2012 Super Rugby season by offering a money back special on the highly anticipated clash between the Reds and Waratahs. Punters who place a bet on the head-to-head market and if their team is leading at halftime but loses the match, they’ll get their money back.

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au
James O’Connor v Berrick Barnes most points
$1.82 Berrick Barnes
$1.92 James O’Connor

Waratahs v Reds

$1.65 Waratahs (out from $1.60)
$2.20 Reds (in from $2.25)