The Blues and Crusaders kick of the 2012 Super Rugby competition in Auckland on Friday, and in what looks like a close match to call the home team can cover the small handicap set by bookmakers.

It feels like an absolute age since we had some Super Rugby action and like all rugby punters alike I'm chomping at the bit to get stuck into this years action, with a top looking fixture between New Zealand's finest two teams set to get us under-way at Eden Park.

The Blues, under Pat Lam, had a decent start to the new Super Rugby format in 2011, losing just one of 12 matches, before that shock come-from behind win by the Stormers knocked them off their good run, with a succession of disappointing defeats thereafter ultimately costing them a home semi that looked nailed on in May. A last four defeat against the rampant Reds in Brisbane will still be in the memory of Lam and his team, however a repeat of some of the fine attacking rugby played for most part of the 2011 season should see them feature at the business end of this years tournament. There's been solid support for their chances the last month or two, and my colleague Brent Graham put up the Blues as his main pre-tournament bet at 9/1 some time back, which has since been snapped up and they're no bigger than 7/1 for the outright win (as short as 9/2 in places).

Although pre-season form can sometimes be a little misleading, the signs from the Blues in their warm-up matches has been solid enough, with 3 wins from 3, including a convincing 29-12 defeat of the Highlanders, running in 4 well-worked tries in the process. Their backline, bolstered by the signings of All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu, looks a real threat, with the likes of Rene Ranger and Isaia Toeava sure to get plenty opportunity to stretch opposition defences. Impressive young flyhalf Michael Hobbs looks likely to hold down the 10 shirt after putting in some eye-catching pre-season efforts, and an experienced pack littered with All Blacks should set up a decent platform for that backline.

The Crusaders pre-season form has matched that of the Blues, with 3 wins from 3, and once again they're the tournament favourites with bookies at generally 3/1 for the outright market. Last year was a remarkable effort for the Saders given the events in Christchurch and that they're were in reality playing away from home all season, with the final in Brisbane proving one hurdle too many after a taxing travel schedule around their semi win in Cape Town over the Stormers. Their squad remains to be one the strongest about – plenty pace in the backline from the likes of Maitland, Dagg and Guildford, combined with a pack that holds down the bulk of the first choice All Black side, will once again serve them well for a tilt at this years competition. Slight negatives include the unavailability of talismans Dan Carter and Richie McCaw for the opening few matches due to injuries, and the loss of enforcer Brad Thorne might be felt at some point in the season. Last year they led the Blues 19-6 at half time in this same round one fixture in Auckland before a Blues fightback saw them lose that match 24-22, and the Saders, under the guidance of Todd Blackadder, will be eager to make up for that result with a reversal this weekend.

PAST RESULTS

The Blues have a 60% success record over the Saders at home, taking the win 6 out of the 10 times they've met in Super rugby history on the North Island.

Home team first:

2011 : Crusaders 23-16 Blues, Blues 24-Crusaders 22

2010 : Crusaders 30-23 Blues

2009 : Blues 13-15 Crusaders

2008 : Crusaders 26-22 Blues

2007 : Blues 34-25 Crusaders

LATEST BETTING

Blues @ 15/20 with Betxchange, WSB, Voltbet

Draw @ 25/1 with Sportsbet, WSB, Betxchange

Crusaders @ 11/8 with Sportingbet

Handicap

Blues -2.5 @ 19/20 with Betxchange

Crusaders +2.5 @ 19/20 with Betxchange

VERDICT

No teams have been announced at time of writing however the line-ups are likely to not impact the betting on this match as both sides will be putting out their best side available in what is match both teams are always up for and eager to win. Forecasts suggest we should be in for decent enough weather conditions on Friday night in Auckland, which should suit both sides style of play.

On the basis that the Blues normally start the tournament fairly well over the years, with a habit of having a blip at some point later in the season, i'm leaning towards the home side here getting their 2012 season off to a flyer with a win over the rivals. Last seasons two point winning margin was in this same fixture was probably a match the Blues shouldn't have won, however the signs are there that 2012 could be the year that they finally click on a consistent level rather than playing in patches like recent years.

The Saders will be tough opponents as ever, but the minus 2.5 handicap for the Blues looks worth following and is where i'm heading in my first Super rugby punt of 2012, but with just a medium sized punt as I don't want to get too carried away in match one.

BET: 3 units Blues -2.5 @ 19/20 (available at Betxchange)

One other market that has caught my eye is the total points markets which Voltbet have priced up early. They've set the line at 42.5, and with the Blues home matches averaging 48, 56 and 48 total points the last 3 seasons, I like the overs here, which would have arrived in 4 of the last half-dozen matches against the Saders in Auckland.

BET: 3 units over 42.5 points @ 9/10 (available at Voltbet)

You can read previews for other Super 15 matches this weekend as well as outright conference winner selections on the links further below, and can also see what other punters fancy in our Super rugby thread in our discussion forum.

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Alan Moscrop	Brent Graham	Chris Sturdy	Sean Nicholas