Here’s a little betting preview that I did for South African sports betting website GreatOdds.co.za

Crusaders - The return of Daniel Carter sees the Crusaders installed as pre-tournament favourites.  Tough to beat and boasting a star-studded line-up they will be tough to beat this season.

Bulls - The Bulls are the opposite of a box of chocolates - you know exactly what you are gonna get.  Tough, uncompromising forwards, a pinpoint kicking game and some lethal outside backs.  They’ll be there or thereabouts come the business end of the competition.

Brumbies - Installed as second favourites after signing Rocky Elsom and Matt Giteau during the off-season.  Two big name signings indeed and they will put the Canberra side in with a real chance of winning the competition.

Hurricanes - Notoriously inconsistent, but almost unstoppable when in the mood.  There are other sides I fancy more, but they’ve proved me wrong many times in the past.

Sharks - The Sharks have a star-studded side, but seem to have become their own worst enemies in the recent past.  If they can overcome a shaky pre-season their long odds will seem incredibly attractive come semi-final time as they have real Super 14 pedigree.

Stormers - Another side pinning their hopes on big name signings.  Habana and Fourie are down in Cape Town and when you put them with a hugely improved foward pack there’s no reason why they can’t go on to win.  Like the Sharks they start the competition with very attractive odds.

Chiefs - Last year’s losing finalists have arguably the most potent attacking side in the competition.  Lethal with ball in hand these guys love to score tries from all over the park.  Like the ‘Canes they are practically unstoppable when they are on form.

Waratahs - The signing of Berrick Barnes will ease their perennial flyhalf woes and could spark the ‘Tahs to life after a dour campaign in 2009.  You can’t write the men from Sydney off as they have a knack for grinding out results and making the play-offs.

Blues - The men from Auckland have signed Luke McAlister and Stephen Brett to give their undeniable attacking prowess some much needed direction.  Real dark horses.

Cheetahs - If you fancy a real long shot the Cheetahs are the team for you.   They’ll be looking to build on their Currie Cup form from last year to turn around some disappointing Super 14 form.  Unlikely to win the whole competition, but a good outside bet for a semi-final place.

Highlanders -  Serial underachievers and unlikely to feature. 

Western Force - Crippled by the loss of Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.  The Perth based team are unlikely to be around come the semi-finals.

Lions - We’d all love to see the Lions back to their former glory, but it’s asking a lot of new coach Dick Muir and marquee signing Carlos Spencer.  They’ll surprise a few sides along the way, but won’t be consistent enough.

Reds - Traditionally tough to beat at home, but lacking the class to bother some of the better teams in the competition.