Waratahs head Australian hopes
Despite finishing near the bottom in 2007, The Waratahs are Australia’s best hope to lift the Super 14 trophy in 2008.
Super 14s sees the Crusaders head the betting at 3.85 ahead of the Blues at 4.50, the Bulls at 6.50 and the Waratahs at 7.50. The Chiefs are next at 10.00 while the Hurricanes and defending champions the Sharks are at 11.00. The Brumbies are the second Australian franchise in the betting at 19.00 however without the guile of George Gregan steering them around the park many believe they will struggle, while the Western Force see out the legitimate chances, already backed from 41.00 into 34.00.
Robbie Deans hopes to add another trophy to the cabinet of the Crusaders before taking up the mantle of Wallaby coach, and the 3.85 on offer indicates he has a great chance of doing so. However the squad is getting on in years and for mine, I find it hard to believe they will turn around last years NPC result when they were comprehensively beaten by the Blues. The Blues have a good blend of youth and experience and represent better value at 4.50.
The Bulls, Hurricanes and Sharks should all be in the mix however it’s the Waratahs and Chiefs who represent the value. With young Kurtly Beale at flyhalf and league convert Timana Tahu inside Lote Tuqiri, a tight five with a very Wallabies look, it might finally be time for the Waratahs to live up to their promise. Early money including one $2,000 wager at 8.00 suggests that might be the case. The Chiefs at 10.00 is also good value. Winners of the NPC in 2006 they certainly have the halves and outside backs to hurt you and with an experienced pack led by Jono Gibbs they should prove to be the improvers this season.
If the Western Force can negotiate a tough early draw then they too may have a say in the make up of the Semi Finals. Lack of improvement in the squads of the Cheetahs, Reds, Stormers, Lions and Highlanders give every indication that it may be a long season for that group.
On that note, it’s those five who dominate Wooden Spoon betting. Already the Highlanders have been back to win $10,000 at their opening quote of 3.50, now into 3.00, but expect stiff opposition from the Lions at 3.25, the Reds at 4.00 and the Stormers and Cheetahs at 8.00. The value for mine lies with the Stormers. They have lost plenty of experience and with a tough early draw they will struggle as they did last season.
Six Nations betting has France dominant at 2.30 ahead of England at 3.50, Ireland 5.50, Wales 9.00, Scotland 15 and Italy making up the numbers at 101.00. England have already been backed from 4.25 into 3.50, mostly on the back of their strong World Cup showing. They will need Johnny Wilkinson at his best if they are to win however, with the crucial game against France on February 23rd at the Stade de France the probable decider. Ireland have away games against the two favorites and appear to be struggling, while Wales would need to pull off an upset against England in the first round if they are to have a legitimate chance. Scotland have been improvers but will still struggle in this competition while the Italians look out of their depth.
Subscribe to The Serve by Email
No comments yet.