Super 14's

**Dr.Gonzo** · 02-11-10, 07:09 PM

*These are not my tips

Bestbets (Aussie sports betting site) preview:

Joal Marshall and Phil Zammit Fri 12 February 10 7:00 AM EST Queensland Reds host the NSW Waratahs in the battle for state supremacy this week as the 2010 Super 14 season gets under way..

Reds v Waratahs
Brisbane
Saturday 7.40pm AEDT
The Queensland Reds fans have experienced little joy in recent years – at around 9.30pm this Saturday they’ll know whether or not they are in for another four months of suffering. The Ewan McKenzie-led Reds are tipped to again be languishing in the bottom section of this season’s Super 14, but a positive showing (a win ideally) against their highly-fancied fierce rivals, the NSW Waratahs, this weekend could prove the catalyst for a more successful season. The Reds were swept aside by the Western Force in their final trial game last weekend but there were positive signs from the likes of Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper and Will Genia – a trio that must star if the side is to be a threat against a strong Waratahs outfit. The Reds are capable of scoring points but it’s their defence that they might struggle with again in 2010, and the ‘Tahs will be looking to expose it this weekend. Berrick Barnes has slotted into the fly-half position nicely since crossing over from the Reds and the move has enabled dangerous runner Kurtley Beale to move out to the centre, along with Daniel Halangahu. Wycliff Palu looked good in his time on the ground for the ‘Tahs last week in their final trial hitout against the Brumbies, and his return to the side can only help the visitors. The difference between these two sides could well be in the forwards, with the Waratahs seeming to have a clear edge in that department. There could be quite a few points scored in the match, with both sides having strong backlines, thus leading to several try-scoring opportunities. However, in the past, Australian sides playing each other in the Super 14 is a recipe for a low scoring affair.
- Marshall
Zammit: The Waratahs have too much talent for the Reds; but the Reds won’t lie down. Take the Waratahs to win 1-12.
Marshall: The ‘Tahs have the best side, but the Reds will throw it around and might surprise. Take them with the start.

Blues v Hurricanes
Auckland
Friday 5.35pm AEDT
For years the Blues have been the enigma team of the competition; capable of overcoming the powerhouse teams in the competition but then frustratingly faltering to teams they should crunch. They start as underdogs against the Hurricanes, but it should be noted the Blues have started their last three seasons with solid victories – over the Force, Chiefs and Crusaders. The Blues’ resources will be stretched already in the opening match of the season with doubts on fullback Paul Williams playing after being knocked unconscious in a trial match last weekend, while All Black Ali Williams is now set to miss most of the season after rupturing a tendon. The Hurricanes easily accounted for the Blues 45-27 last year. Their backs in Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu should run ring around their Blues counterparts.
- Zammit
Zammit: On paper the Hurricanes look far more attacking and accomplished. However, the Blues are very capable and first up are well worth backing to cause an upset.
Marshall: What a cracker to get us under way in 2010! There could well be a lot of points here. Take the total match score over.

Western Force v Brumbies
Perth
Friday 10.05pm AEDT
Plenty of feeling was expected in this match with Wallabies five eighth Matt Giteau having left the Force to join the Brumbies. However, we may be in for an anticlimax because Giteau strained his quad two weeks ago. Publicly, Giteau stated he is confident of playing, but coach Andy Friend only rates him a 50-50 chance to line up against his former club. His presence, or lack of, will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the match. Disaster has struck for the Force with international star Andre Pretorius, who was recruited to fill Giteau’s void, suffered a season-ending injury at training. This leads to an overhaul in the Force starting line-up with coach John Mitchell indicating he may move James O’Conner into the all important five eighth position.
- Zammit
Zammit: The betting will hinge around whether Matt Giteau plays or not, and you should wait until the last moment to place your bets. Look to back the Brumbies 1-12.
Marshall: Grudge match as Giteau (if right) returns to Perth as the enemy. I suspect the Force will be fully wound up for this. Should be plenty of points – take the total match score to be over the line.

Cheetahs v Bulls
Bloemfontein
Saturday 4.10am AEDT
The Cheetahs have never defeated the Bulls; and only an extremely brave or foolish punter would rate them any chance to break the drought this weekend. The Bulls simply outclass the Cheetahs in every department, with a much stronger and punishing pack while their backs are faster, slicker and far more potent. The only option for the value-seeking punter is judging the margin or total game score. Over the past four years all matches have been relatively high scoring with the Bulls winning by 9, 40, 4 and 12 points. Significantly the 40-point victory was the only previous match at Bloemfontein.
- Zammit
Zammit: The Bulls will slaughter the Cheetahs. Back the Bulls to win by more than 12 points and back the total game score to be over the line.
Marshall: The Bulls should have too much firepower for the Cheetahs, but they weren’t burying sides last year, so take them by 1-12 for value.

Crusaders v Highlanders
Christchurch
Saturday 5.35pm AEDT
Daniel Carter’s return to the Crusaders should see a significant boost to their performances, although they still managed to reach the finals last year without him. Not only is he one of the most accomplished players in the world but he adds significant direction and focus to the team. The Crusaders, however, will be without captain Richard McCaw who has, strangely, opted to sit out the first three weeks of the season. The Highlanders will be confident of knocking over the championship favourite, having defeated them over the past two years. Pre-season they have impressed with a come-from-behind victory over the Chiefs in a trial match. Look out for Nasi Manu to perform well lining up against his former club.
- Zammit
Zammit: The Crusaders, with Dan Carter back at the helm, should start the season off firmly. Back the Crusaders for the win.
Marshall: Big match for the Highlanders – a win here would do the world of good for their confidence levels. Take them with the start.

Lions v Stormers
Johannesburg
Sunday 2.05am AEDT
The Lions were hardly inspiring in their final trial match last weekend, defeating Currie Cup side, the Pumas, 24 points to 17. Their line-outs and ball handling were noticeably below par, but one shining light was the form of a new recruit – veteran Kiwi fly-half Carlos Spencer. Making his debut in the Lions colours the supremely talented number 10 will certainly be a big help for the lowly South African franchise. However, their first appearance in this new Super 14 season will not be an easy one as they come up against the Stormers, who have a point to prove after missing out on finals action last year due to a very slow start. With a new look backline that features Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie, the Stormers will be looking to start the season in better fashion than they did in 2009, and against the Lions they get the perfect chance to do just that.
- Marshall
Zammit: Stormers must get their season off to a flyer and should be too talented for the Lions. Back the Stormers for the win.
Marshall: I’ve tipped the Stormers to win the comp – I’ll look a mug if they go down here. They’ll cover the line.

Sharks v Chiefs
Durban
Sunday 4.10am AEDT
Big game to finish the first round, with the Sharks playing host to last year’s runners-up, the Chiefs from Waikato. The Chiefs named their touring squad without lock Romana Graham, fullback Mils Muliaina and winger Lelia Masaga, but they’ll still run out a very strong side in Durban this weekend. The big question being posed is can the Chiefs have two successful years back to back? There is no real good reason why they can’t, although a tougher start to 2010 (travel wise) means they must be on the ball right from the get-go. Two games in South Africa are followed by a trip to Perth, but the Lions (round two opponents) and the Force (round three) are not considered among the better teams in 2010. The Sharks, meanwhile, were on the heels of the finals last year but could not capitalise on a good start to the season. They won their first four games. Expect them to start well again in 2010, but it won’t be easy first up.
- Marshall
Zammit: The Sharks are tough to beat first up in Durban and will be very miserly in their defence, shutting the Chiefs down. In a low scoring game back the Sharks to win by 1-12.
Marshall: The Sharks at home will be keen to shut down the Chiefs’ dangerous attack. I’m tipping defence will win this game – total match score to be under.

Best Bets:

Zammit: Sharks 1-12.
Marshall: Stormers to cover the line.

Best Multis:

Zammit: Bulls 13+/Sharks 1-12.
Marshall: Bulls 1-12/Stormers to cover the line/Sharks v Chiefs: total match score under.