Super 15 2013

In deepest winter the quality of rugby union can drive some to tears with bad pitches, worse weather, slow play, and phases after endless phases of turgid contact. For those who find it all too much at times though, some Southern Hemisphere magic has appeared in the shape of the Super 15, with the best of South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia going head to head for the Super 15 crown, which can go back to the ever entertaining Crusaders, who can gain some reward for their consistency in the modern era.

They’ve reached 10 finals in 17 years, actually winning 7 of them, and 4 semi – final defeats mean that they’ve only failed to feature in 3 of the post seasons since 2001; A remarkable league record in anyone’s terms. The absences of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read at different times during the conference season hampered them slightly – especially the absence of Carter at 10 – but they were never troubled within reaching their target of the post season and can be called very unlucky to have lost their tremendous semi-final on the Chiefs’ home patch, where the now absent Sonny Bill Williams played a massive part in both their tries in a 20-17 defeat towards the eventual winners.

While McCaw is taking a 6 month sabbatical to keep himself mentally fit for the next two years – he hopes to lead New Zealand into the next World Cup but Matt Todd (second in the tackle count with just 258) will have been relishing the chance to take the No.7 Jersey and new signing Shane Christie should keep him well upto his work in the battle for the openside position, while Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano and Dominic Bird are all international class forwards who should make a fantastic platform for the backs, with the brothers Luke and George Whitelock have already started for New Zealand at international junior level.

The real edge for the Crusaders is the presence of Dan Carter – the finest flyhalf in World Rugby without a shadow of doubt and for many an all-time great – his running threat will be ever crucial, although Tom Taylor and Tyler Bleyendaal both have their talents – the Stormers were beaten with Taylor at 5/8 – and Robbie Fruean and Ryan Crotty are two of the most effective centres in the tournament who should thrive with the quick ball provided by Andy Ellis, while Israel Dagg is generally recognised as the best running full back in world rugby from an attacking perspective. The loss of Zac Guildford to personal problems and Sean Maitland to Scotland have deprived them of plenty of talent but they’ve got the deepest reserves in the competition by some way and should feel confident of once again making a big tit at an eighth title. Todd Blackadder hasn’t claimed a title since he took over in 2009 but he has the talent to seal the deal this time around  

The Chiefs don’t have the explosive running power of Sonny Bill Williams following his decision to leave New Zealand, while explosive prop Sona Taumalolo has also left for other shores – namely the riches of the Top 14 and Perpignan. They can still go far but had the benefit of home advantage when beating the Crusaders in their home semi-final and in a similar matchup, might struggle to repeat the trick; They should still go far and to keep them onside, the ¾ on a New Zealand winner will be our main bet, along with the 9/2 the Crusaders can gain a first title in 6 years; We have the Highlanders onside with this too, comforting considering they have Michel Taylor and Julian Savea in the backline.

The Stormers – losing semi-finalists last year – have the Chiefs, Crusaders, Brumbies and Reds at home and avoid the highlanders, so look to be the best bet from South Africa – who have won twice in the last 4 years – for the title at 7/1.

Advice

6 pts New Zealand to win Super 15 (3/4 Bet365)

3 pts Crusaders to win Grand Final (9/2 Sportingbet)

2 pts Stormers to win Grand Final (7/1 general)