Bookies buy into Bulls, make them SA's top title bet

Cape Town - After being viewed pre-tournament as the side most likely to finish bottom of the SA Conference, four weeks into the 2019 Super Rugby season and bookmakers now see the Bulls as the country's most likely title contenders.

New coach Pote Human has worked wonders with the Pretoria side, and, helped by the key signings of Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Brits in particular, as well as the inspired form shown to date by Handre Pollard, the Bulls find themselves 3-1 and on top the SA Conference and second in the Overall standings.

No surprise that leading SA bookies Sportingbet have installed the hitherto unbeaten nine-time champion Crusaders as 3/4 favourites, followed by their fellow New Zealanders, the Hurricanes, at 4/1.

A third New Zealand side, the Highlanders (8/1) are ahead of the only other unbeaten side to date, the Rebels (albeit having played just three matches) and Bulls (both 16/1).

The Lions are next best (20/1) ahead of the Waratahs (25/1).

The Sharks (28/1), Brumbies and Stormers (both 33/1) follow, with the Chiefs, Jaguares and Blues all on offer at 40/1.

The Reds (200/1) and Sunwolves (500/1) can be considered rank outsiders.