There were no major upsets in Super 14 week 1 although a few of the fancied teams were given a scare before kicking on to win. On the betting front the Crusaders have firmed while there remains what in my opinion is a massive price about the Bulls.

There was some great rugby over the weekend and indications are that the new interpretation of the rules will result in some entertaining running rugby as teams adapt to the way the refs are blowing. As the season progresses I foresee a few bloodbaths as teams out of contention are blown away by the big dogs.

Looking at the betting there has not been a lot of movement since I wrote my outright preview although there are a couple of prices that surprise me.

The Crusaders have firmed from 7/2 into 3/1 with Mbet and are as short as 5/2 in places. They were not exactly rampant against the Highlanders but with a reputation as slow starters and with Chris Jack and Richie McCaw set to return down the line I can understand why bookmakers are reluctant to take chances.

There was 13/2 about the Brumbies before kick off but the layers were clearly impressed at how they went without Giteau and Elsom in their defeat of the Force and they are now a best priced 11/2 at Mbet.

The big surprise for me is the Bulls who in my view put up the performance of the weekend when they first resisted and then put away the Cheetahs challenge in Bloemfontein. They were a best price of 11/2 last week this time and are 9/2 on some books now but GreatOdds go 13/2 about their chances. On the evidence at hand that looks huge. They now have 4 games at Loftus where they are close to unbeatable and by the time they start their road trip they may well be favourites. I am already on the Crusaders and Stormers but at the price I am now on the Bulls as well.

The Hurricanes came from behind to beat the Blues and the performance impressed the odds setters who have cut them from 8/1 to the 13/2 currently on offer at Betxchange.

The Chiefs are a point in from 11/1 to 10/1 at Betxchange or GreatOdds after their last ditch win over the Sharks at a very wet Durban. The home team are on the drift and having been 6/1 a few weeks ago and 10/1 prior to kickoff you can now get 20/1 about their chances at Mbet who have also taken them out to 11/1 in the Top SA Team market.

The Stormers continue to shorten and are into 10/1 with Betxchange but are 7/1 in places. Those who took the 16/1 and 20/1 quotes from a couple of weeks ago will be satisfied but perhaps also disappointed that they never kicked on for the bonus point against the Lions.

The Waratahs looked well beaten in Brisbane but came back to snatch a victory and they remain 12/1 while along with the Sharks the other big drifters are the Blues who are now 25/1 at GreatOdds.

VERDICT

While I am already heavily involved in the long term markets the 13/2 about the Bulls is irresistible and I am grabbing 10 units with GreatOdds.

Keep an eye on the Goodforthegame Forum for comments on the early week 2 handicaps when they come out and remember we preview all 7 week 2 games on this site.

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