Bookies get behind Bulls

Garrin Lambley

Cape Town - Despite the loss of Bryan Habana and injuries to several key players, bookmakers still fancy the Bulls to be the leading SA franchise in this year's Super 14.

Leading UK bookies, Ladbrokes, have installed the Crusaders and defending champion Bulls as joint favourites (7/2) to win the title.

The tournament kicks-off on Friday February 12.

The Brumbies, with flyhalf Matt Giteau back in the fold, are third favourites (11/2), ahead of the Hurricanes and Sharks (both 7/1).

There appears to be little hope of success for the other three SA franchises, with the Stormers, despite their acquisition of Habana and fellow Bok Jaque Fourie, listed as lowly ninth-favourites (16/1) while the Cheetahs (50/1) and Lions (100/1) aren't expected to contend for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, according to GreatOdds, South Africa's largest online bookmakers, the Bulls are only third favourites, behind the Crusaders and Brumbies.

Ladbrokes odds:

Crusaders 7/2 
Bulls 7/2 
Brumbies 11/2 
Hurricanes 7/1 
Sharks 7/1 
Chiefs 9/1 
Waratahs 9/1 
Blues 12/1 
Stormers 16/1 
Cheetahs 50/1 
Highlanders 66/1 
Force 66/1 
Reds 100/1 
Lions 100/1

GreatOdds odds:

Crusaders 11/4  
Brumbies 11/2  
Bulls 6/1  
Hurricanes 15/2  
Sharks 15/2  
Chiefs 11/1  
Waratahs 11/1  
Blues 12/1  
Stormers 12/1  
Cheetahs 66/1  
Highlanders 66/1  
Western Force 80/1  
Lions 150/1  
Reds 200/1