With wins for the Reds, Brumbies, Highlanders, Crusaders, Stormers, Bulls and the Lions in Week 1 of the 2012 Super Rugby tournament, some of last week’s losers could make you money this coming weekend on Bet.co.za.

The Chiefs at home to the Blues (in their all-New Zealand clash), the Rebels at home to the Waratahs (in their all-Aussie derby), the Force away to the Reds (in another Aussie derby), the Hurricanes against the Lions in Johannesburg, the Cheetahs at home to the Bulls – in their South African Conference meeting – and the Sharks against the Stormers in Cape Town – in their spicy SA derby – all have some interesting odds.

The Highlanders might have beaten the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend, but there are some generous odds for a home victory for them over the Crusaders, who, of course, edged out the Blues in Auckland last weekend.

A closer look at Super Rugby, Week 2 action:

Friday’s action:
(All kick-off’s SA time)

Chiefs v Blues (Hamilton) – 8.35am
Odds: Chiefs 33/20 and Blues 1/2
The Blues went down to the Crusaders, but the Chiefs were way more disappointing as they lost – at home – to the Highlanders last week. With players like Aaron Cruden, Sonny Bill Williams, Richard Kahui and Lelia Masaga at their disposal – not to mention a superb coaching staff – one cannot see the Chiefs losing at home again. However, the Blues are the odds-on favourites according to Bet.co.za – despite results in Hamilton between these two sides standing at three wins each in their last six meetings.

Rebels v Waratahs (Melbourne) – 10.40am
Odds: Rebels 21/10 and Waratahs 7/20
The Rebels will make their first appearance of 2012 and they welcome favourites, the Waratahs, to Melbourne – a tough task at the best of times. At 21/10, Bet.co.za are offering great value for a Rebels win, but it would be a very brave bet to make – even given the uncertainty of an all-Australian derby.

Lions v Hurricanes (Johannesburg) – 7.10pm
Odds: Lions 13/20 and Hurricanes 13/10
Lions coach John Mitchell admitted that his side got out of jail against the Cheetahs last week and the Hurricanes will not give them the same luxury this week. The ‘Canes showed against the Stormers that they will grab half a chance thrown at them – in particular new flyhalf star Beauden Barrett – and, with Bet.co.za offering odds of 13/10, the visitors could be worth a flutter for an away win.

Saturday’s action:
(All kick-off’s SA time)

Highlanders v Crusaders (Dunedin) – 8.35am
Odds: Highlanders 39/20 and Crusaders 2/5
With Bet.co.za offering odds of 39/20 for a home win, it would be very tempting to go for the Highlanders – especially after their Week 1 heroics. But the Crusaders have a good record in Dunedin (winning four out of their last six encounters) and they boast more quality players across the board.

Reds v Force (Brisbane) – 10.40am
Odds: Reds 17/100 and Force 39/10
The defending champion Reds head back home this week, after starting with a last-gasp win in Sydney. Bet.co.za are offering juicy odds for a Force victory (39/10), but the Men from Perth are yet to win in Brisbane – ironically a 20-21 defeat in last year’s tournament being their best result.

Cheetahs v Bulls (Bloemfontein) – 5.05pm
Odds: Cheetahs 23/20 and Bulls 7/10
One of two all-South African derbies to end off the weekend’s action, Bet.co.za are giving great odds at 23/20 for a Cheetahs victory. The Bulls did not show their full repertoire against the Sharks, but their pack was powerful and they bossed the line-outs. The Cheetahs were outkicked by the Lions last week and young Johan Goosen, for one, will want to correct that against Springbok incumbent flyhalf Morné Steyn.

Stormers v Sharks (Cape Town) – 7.10pm
Odds: Stormers 1/2 and Sharks 33/20
Bet.co.za’s odds for a Sharks win are very tempting indeed. One cannot see the Sharks starting the 2012 tournament with successive losses, but, then again, travelling to Pretoria and Cape Town is a big ask for any team – nevermind a quality outfit like the Durbanites. The loss of Schalk Burger is a big blow to the Stormers, but with youngsters Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi putting their hands up the Stormers will be hoping they can cope without their star Springbok flanker.

● Visit www.bet.co.za for updated odds ahead of the weekend!

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