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 The Super 14 starts in just over 2 weeks and the prospect of 7 rugby matches a weekend has me very excited indeed. While many South Africans will reserve their interest to matches involving local sides I will be studying each game as I look for that shred of evidence or knowledge that will give me an edge over the bookmakers. {readmorelink}Read more{/readmorelink}
While we wait for the action to begin it is time to start considering some long term investments and there are already plenty of markets on offer.
The most obvious is of course the tournament winner and here the Crusaders have found support and are in from 4/1 a few weeks back to a general 3/1 at present. That of course is on the back of the news that Dan Carter has returned from Europe and in my book they look worthy market leaders.
The Brumbies have also made a few useful acquisitions none more so than Matt Giteau who joins them from the Force. They have endured a few lean seasons but odds of 11/2 suggest that could be about to change.
First of the South African teams are the defending champions the Bulls. They are generally around 9/2 but shop around and you can get 6/1 while there is 8/1 about the Sharks and 16/1 the Stormers although I feel this price will come in as word is they looked sharp against the Force in a warm up last weekend.
If like me you fancy them for a much improved season with the likes of Habana and Fourie in the side then you may be tempted to back the Cape outfit to be the Top SA side at 4/1 or perhaps take the 33/10 still on offer with one bookmaker that they make the semi finals.
There are many who expect an improved showing from last years Wooden Spoon recipients the Cheetahs but they are 200/1 for the title and 33/1 to make the last 4. If you think that Dick Muir and Carlos Spencer can turn the Lions fortunes around then take 40/1 for a semi final spot and 300/1 that they win their first ever title. Realistically though you would probably be better off taking the 5/2 that they finish last.
My early money is on any New Zealand winner at 12/10. Roll on the 12th of February.
Click here for our early look at the S14 betting and here for early value
This article was written for the CitiGaming supplement of the Citizen Newspaper and was first published on the 28th of January 2010.
Brent Graham is a blogger on www.goodforthegame.co.za and presents a sports betting radio show every Saturday morning at 07h30 on 1485AM Radio Today or Channel 169 of the DSTV Audio Bouquet.
You can follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/brentgraham or get on his mailing list by dropping him a line at brent@goodforthegame.co.za
   
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