Cape Town - Despite their relatively slow start to the 2012 Super Rugby season, bookmakers are backing the Crusaders to win their eighth title come the final on August 4.
After eight matches played, the Crusaders find themselves in third position in the New Zealand Conference, and sixth in the Combined standings, with a 5-3 win-loss record.
Nevertheless, leading SA bookies, Bet.co.za have the Crusaders listed as 26/10 favourites, followed by the Stormers who currently top the South African Conference, at 3/1.
The Chiefs, fresh off their victory against the Sharks in Durban and currently atop the Overall log, are quoted at 4/1, while the Bulls can be backed at 65/10.
The remaining South African teams, the Sharks (19/1), Cheetahs (79/1) and Lions (250/1), are considered outsiders for the title.
After eight matches played, the Crusaders find themselves in third position in the New Zealand Conference, and sixth in the Combined standings, with a 5-3 win-loss record.
Nevertheless, leading SA bookies, Bet.co.za have the Crusaders listed as 26/10 favourites, followed by the Stormers who currently top the South African Conference, at 3/1.
The Chiefs, fresh off their victory against the Sharks in Durban and currently atop the Overall log, are quoted at 4/1, while the Bulls can be backed at 65/10.
The remaining South African teams, the Sharks (19/1), Cheetahs (79/1) and Lions (250/1), are considered outsiders for the title.