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STORMERS V SHARKS & BULLS V REDS
RACING IN KZN THIS SUNDAY
SUPER 14: BETTING PREVIEW
STORMERS V SHARKS & BULLS V REDS
The opening weekend of Super 14 is always exciting but few matches will equal the intensity and excitement of the Stormers v Sharks clash. The bookies are struggling to separate the sides and our rugby tipster looks for betting opportunities in this one but finds his best bet in the Bulls match.
Stormers v Sharks
I am salivating at the mere thought of this match which means so much for both sides and also has some serious implications for me given that I have backed the Sharks to be the Top SA team this year and also had a nibble on them for the tournament.
BETTING
Stormers 14/10
Draw 25/1
Sharks 15/20
Handicap
Stormers +2.5 at 1/1
Sharks -2.5 at 19/20
Verdict
I am sure that I am not the only punter struggling to make a call on this one. Earlier in the week I was very positive about the Sharks but their lack of experience on the bench for such a big game concerns me. That said I think they will weather an early storm and win the match but the bookies seem to have the handicap spot on.
The one bet that does stand out for me a bit is the draw at 25/1. Yes it is a speculative play but the Stormers did play to a stalemate against the Waratahs this season and if you take the view that there will only be a few points in it then it must be a runner.
The other punt I fancy is the Stormers to lead at the break and the Sharks to come back and win it. This is 7/1
Bet: 0.5 units the draw at 25/1
Bet: 1 unit Sharks/Stormers halftime/fulltime at 7/1
Bulls v Reds
The Reds are one of my sides to watch this season but I doubt they could have asked for a tougher opener that the Bulls at Loftus. Matfield and Bakkies Botha are back working in tandem and the match day 22 has plenty of strength in depth as well. The Reds have lost hooker Stephen Moore to the Brumbies and while Daniel Braid has been a good buy I think they will struggle against the really strong packs and there is no doubt the Bulls fit that bill.
BETTING
Bulls 2/11
Draw 50/1
Reds 5/1
Handicap
Bulls -12.5 at 9/10
Reds +12.5 at 21/20
Verdict
The Reds will be much more competitive than the final match of 2007 when they were blown off the park by the eventual champions but I can't see them winning here. In fact I think they will be worn down and that the Bulls are well capable of winning by upwards of 15 points.
I make the Bulls -12.5 a good bet to end this weeks Super 14.
Bet: 5 units Bulls -12.5 at 9/10
:: read the full preview online
HORSE RACING
12Feb at Summerveld and the usual Thursday morning drench-fest!
KZN ACTION ON SUNDAY
Leon Setaro
KZN action on Sunday 15th Feb and we get another crack at local racing after losing Wednesday at Scottsville to bum weather. Thankfully it's a return to the superior surface of Clairwood Park, which leaves us with some hope for the meeting actually going ahead since rain is forecast daily through to the weekend and beyond. But then again, if soft going and zero track work isn't enough to get the jaw grinding, there's always the flu-virus currently doing the rounds at Summerveld to cherry-on-top the punting challenges.
In the 3rd race ultra consistent 'Silent Jet' faces a piss-weak field and on form is clear out in front as the most likely winner for the day.
He's put up 3x consecutive seconds all in soft going, last time out he chased home the winner and in the process put 5 lengths between himself and the rest of the field. Should have no problem dispensing a similar sort of beating here, only this time out on his own as the winner. Opened at 2/1 and after some early bookie trading ended up at 12/10 which on paper is still strong value. Got to have doubts about anything being certain though when considering the perpetually interrupted training programs and rampant flu-virus - tread carefully.
