Bookies bullish on Lions' title chances

Cape Town - Bookmakers have cut the odds on the high-flying Lions emerging victorious in this year's Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

Following their impressive first-ever victory over the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday, leading SA bookies Sportingbet have cut the Lions' odds from 15/2 to 6/1.

Johan Ackermann's men trounced the previously unbeaten Stormers 29-16, outscoring the home side 4 tries to 1 in a clear show of "who's No 1" on the local scene.

The Lions top Africa Conference 2 with 28 points after 7 matches, 6 points clear of the Sharks.

The defending champion Hurricanes remain the bookies' favourites at 11/4, followed by the seven-time champion Crusaders at 14/5.

The Chiefs are next best at 4/1, followed by the Lions.

The Highlanders can be backed at 9/1, while those still behind the Stormers can get 14/1 on them clinching a first-ever title.

The Sharks follow at 16/1 and are the last of the realistic title contenders.

Such are the on-field difficulties currently blighting Australian rugby, the Brumbies, seven point leaders in the Australian Conference and thus guaranteed a home quarter-final in Canberra should the status quo remain, are on offer at 40/1 - along with the Jaguares.

The Bulls (200/1), Cheetahs (1 000/1) and Kings' (1 000/1) odds reflect their respective 2017 Super Rugby seasons to date.