Tag: New Zealand

Cricket World Cup: Day 7 Preview

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Crunch game at the World Cup today with New Zealand hosting England in a Wellington day-nighter.  Fans are craving a close game and this one has all the trappings of being so.

The Three Big Questions

Is Adam Milne New Zealand’s best third seam option?

New Zealand are going with an unchanged lineup for today’s match which means Adam Milne will again keep Kyle Mills out (and to a lesser extent Mitchell McClenaghan).  Milne shades the only contentious position presumably because of his extra pace.  The English batsman have struggled against other express quicks such as Mitchell Starc and Johnson over the past few weeks, and the Black Caps are obviously keen to keep testing their appetite for the quick, short stuff.  Milne’s returns have been modest so far – 2/56 and 0/32 at an economy of 5.17 runs per over.  But, in the eye of the New Zealand selectors, the RPO is clearly offset by the wicket-taking threat.  Mills would contain with his accurate cross seamers gripping on the Westpac surface, without any real danger.  Milne’s the right call.

When will Eoin Morgan return to form?

He has to doesn’t he.  How long can someone be “due” without ever scoring runs?  Morgan is providing the English journalists with an almighty angle for their pre-match reporting, and 4 ducks in 5 matches is the type of banter club players love (something about an Audi for a few ducks in a row).  Morgan is quality though; he will jump at the chance of a change of scenery and we expect the drought to end today.  We would bat him at 6 though and let James Taylor occupy 5.  This will give Taylor more time in the middle, while also handing the important closing role to Morgan with less pressure on him the score runs.

Is the World Cup too long?  Will we run out of questions to answer in our daily previews? 

Yes and yes.

Today’s Match

New Zealand v England, Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington – partly cloudy), starts 2:00pm local time

New Zealand – $1.51

England – $2.56

New Zealand are riding high on a wave of game generated momentum and public admiration, and now face a humiliated England side who were a bit gun-shy in their World Cup opener in Melbourne.  While the Black Caps are strong favourites at the bookies, we think this will be considerably closer than the odds suggest.  Why?  Because New Zealand haven’t faced quality opening bowlers for some time.  Having time and time again dined out on Sri Lanka and Pakistan military medium’s and only had a small dose of imperious quicks when they warmed up against South Africa, they now face Stuart Broad and James Anderson.  Two quality seamers with equally promising backups in Steven Finn and Chris Woakes. Eoin Morgan’s due too (even though he’s battling the captaincy curse).

New Zealand have name an unchanged side from the one that has come out on top in their first two efforts.  They need to shake it off, shake it off the poor chase they nearly threw away of just 160 odd against Scotland three days ago.  We’re anxious for New Zealand in this one.

Today’s Bet

We like outsiders, so think about lumping on England on a straight head to head here.  If you’re really confident, back England win by 50 Runs or 6-10 Wickets at $7.00.  If you need a player to back, pick Joe Root to top score at $5.50 (he averages 58.4 against NZ in 7 ODI’s).

Odds from Palmerbet.

Cricket World Cup: Day 4 Recap

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Just the one game in today’s Cricket World Cup action, and although the game saw the end of the 300+ batting first scores, it still provided plenty of entertainment.

Day 4 Results

New Zealand v Scotland

New Zealand did one of their disciplines exceeding well today to topple a brave Scotland side on a beautiful summers day in Dunedin.  It’s just a shame they did their other discipline so poorly.  New Zealand surprised a few, and disappointed the local crowd, by bowling first when little was expected to be on offer for the bowlers.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee made a mockery of that statement though and generated prodigious swing and off the pitch movement to have the Scots reeling at 12/4.  Trent Boult, fresh from picking up an $800,000+ IPL contract took two in two balls in his first over, and Southee followed suit with a possible hat-trick of his own just three overs later.  Scotland recovered thanks to Matt Machan and Richie Berrington, before losing their final 6 wickets for just 33 runs; all of those wickets falling to Daniel Vettori and Corey Anderson.  Either side of the 97 run partnership – which was actually really nicely done by the two half-centurions – Scotland were a bit of a shambles, failing to come to grips with the moving ball.

New Zealand were just as reckless at their turn at bat.  Whether the Black Caps were seeking to boost their Net Run Rate, or whether they got complacent, they threw wickets away with as much regularity as repeats of the famous sitcom Friends on television.  Even Mr Reliable, Kane Williamson, slogged wildly to lose his wicket, and only Grant Elliot can say he didn’t fall to a loose swish or swipe.

New Zealand go two-from-two but we imagine they’ll spend a fair bit of time in the nets before they face England in Wellington on Friday.  Scotland play England next too, on Monday.

New Zealand 146 for 7 (Williamson 38, Davey 3-40, Wardlaw 3-57) beat Scotland 142 (Machan 56, Berrington 50, Anderson 3-18, Vettori 3-24) by three wickets

Cricket World Cup: Day 4 Preview

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Can a European minnow upset a test playing favourite for the second day in a row?  Find out below in our preview of today’s matchup where we also answer three big Cricket World Cup questions.

The Three Big Questions

Who is topping the run scoring ladder- have the markets moved?

All teams bar two (Bangladesh and Afghanistan) have played a game thus far, and five players have made centuries.  David Miller, Aaron Finch, JP Duminy, Virat Kohli and Lendl Simmons are those players and the odds reflect the early results.  The outright market sees Finch at $8, Kohli at $9 and New Zealanders, Williamson and McCullum also being tipped after first up fifties.  Hashim Amla, Ab de Villiers and Steven Smith (he’s gone out to $34.00 from $15) are the big losers, but with 8 games still to play there’s no cause for panic just yet.

Who is topping the wicket taking ladder- have the markets moved?

Three five wicket bags have also adjusted the top bowling markets (Steven Finn, Mitchell Marsh, Sohail Khan).  However, two of those bowling efforts were genuine surprises and haven’t resulted in significant market fluctuation.  Steven Finn, who is arguably the best out and out bowler of the front runners has shortened to $10.00, joining Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson, who both took 2 wickets against England, as the front runners.  Daniel Vettori looks to be the smokey at $41.00.

Are the West Indies in crisis mode? 

Contract disputes, bilateral series walk offs, strange selection choices, and inconsistent form have undoubtedly been playing on the mind of the West Indies players over the last few months, and the weight of it all is clearly starting to affect their cricket.  The West Indies are looking increasingly ragged, and the laid back nature that has always been a feature of their play is now looking more like discontent.  Hopefully, Darren Sammy’s words have some meaning behind them – “It’s one game, we still believe.”

Today’s Matchup

New Zealand v Scotland, University Oval (Dunedin – fine weather all day), 11:00am local time

New Zealand – $1.01

Scotland – $17.00

New Zealand get the chance to lay down another World Cup marker in their second match against the unlikely Scots in Dunedin today.  Looking to build on a strong opening against Sri Lanka the Black Caps will need to be careful of a Scotland side that gave a New Zealand XI (featuring Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori) an almighty scare when they toured before Christmas.  The New Zealand XI side won that match by a solitary run, and Scotland could use that experience as the platform for a sneaky upset today.  Scotland have been excellent in their two warm up games, making 296 and 310 in their two efforts.

Today’s Bet

Martin Guptill to score more than 48.5 – $2.35

(Guptill plays well against lesser nations (sorry Scotland) and showed promise in his first up effort against Sri Lanka).

Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Cricket World Cup: Day 1 Recap

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After a tantalising wait the Cricket World Cup final got underway yesterday.  Australia and New Zealand justified their favourites tag with huge victories on the back of 300+ scores.  The two Australasian hosts sent an imperious warning to the rest of the teams vying to take out crickets’ most meaningful trophy.

Each day of the Cricket World Cup we’ll recap the results, here’s how day 1 panned out.

Day 1 Results

1. New Zealand v Sri Lanka

New Zealand displaced any concerns that nerves would get the better of them in their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.  Batting first on a chilly, overcast morning, the audible sigh of relief from Black Cap fans when Brendon McCullum slammed his first ball through the covers for four was telling.  McCullum’s boundary told of confidence, aggression and belief, while the sigh proved many New Zealanders were uncomfortable with the favourites tag, but relieved that it wouldn’t change New Zealand’s approach.

The Black Caps mustered 331 in their 50 overs.  Corey Anderson put the icing on the cake after McCullum and Williamson had early contributed half centuries.  Sri Lanka were sloppy in the field, and the seam bowling saving grace role that Lasith Malinga was expected to play didn’t eventuate as he was plummeted for 84 runs in 10 wicketless overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka made an excellent start and at 124/1 were a chance of running down the imposing total. However, regular wickets, share amongst the New Zealand bowlers, put paid to any chance and they eventually fell well 98 runs short.

New Zealand 331 for 6 (Anderson 75, McCullum 65, Williamson 57, Mendis 2-5) beat Sri Lanka 233 (Thirimanne 65, Anderson 2-18) by 98 runs

2. Australia v England

Australia got their campaign underway in front of a raucous 85,000 strong crowd at the MCG.  Reinforcing their dominance over England at late and their favourites tag, the Australians scored a huge 342 from their 50 overs (despite at once stage falling to 70/3.  Aaron Finch survived being dropped in the first over to make 135 and  Glenn Maxwell finished things off briskly.  The only joy for the Poms was a final over hat-trick from Steven Finn.

Things got worse for the English; they slumped to 92/6 and with it saw any chance of an unlikely victory slip away.  Captain, Eoin Morgan continued his bizarre run of form – despite a century early in the summer he’s now registered 4 ducks in his last five innings.  James Taylor added some respectability to the total.  He’s was not out on 98* when James Anderson was incorrectly ruled run out after a DRS reversal.  Mitchell Marsh thrived in taking over James Faulkner’s duties; he took five wickets with his medium pace.

Australia dominant, and on course for trophy number five it seems.

Australia 342 for 9 (Finch 135, Maxwell 66, Bailey 55, Finn 5-71) beat England 231 (Taylor 98*, Marsh 5-33) by 111 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 1 Preview

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Welcome to Betcirca’s coverage of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.  We’ll be bringing you a preview and a recap of each and everyday of the tournament – posing three important questions about the day’s play or the tournament thus far.  We’ll also preview each game with odds from BetEasy, while also keeping an eye on tournament betting odds and the leading wicket takers and run scorers.

Welcome to Day One.

The Three Big Questions

Of the spate of injuries and withdrawals announced so far, whose is the most worrying for their team’s chances?

Mohammad Hafeez, Ishant Sharma, Sunil Narine, Junaid Khan, and James Faulkner have all either pulled out of the tournament or have had their chances of playing a part diminished on account of injury or bowling action concerns.  Of those, two stick out as crucial.  Narine has confused batsman for years and might just be the best limited overs bowler going around.  After remodelling his action he was back to his best in a recent match for Trinidad & Tobago where he took 6/9, but has pulled out over doubts about his new action.  He’s a huge loss for a West Indies team that is lacking in inspiration and likely to struggle at the Cricket World Cup.

Likewise, Faulkner is one of the best death hitters in the business, as well as contributing key overs when required.  His injury is not expected to keep him out of the entire tournament but if kept out of the knockout stages is a huge blow to Australia’s chances.

Will this be the year New Zealand finally gets past the semi-finals?

The six-time semi finalists have never made it to the showcase event of a Cricket World Cup.  Neither have they ever really been expected to though (save for 1992 when they were arguably the form team during the round robin stages).  2015 is different.  The Black Caps are being backed heavily by experts and amateurs alike.  They have a balanced side, form, and home soil as factors aiding their cause.  But we’re of the view that they won’t like the added pressure or expectation of being contenders.  They’ll be beaten by eventual finalists South Africa or Australia in the semi…again.

Will Michael Clarke’s inclusion hinder or help the Australians?

There has been plenty of media coverage about whether the Australian team is more harmonious with or without Michael Clarke.  The team has thrived with Steven Smith (or George Bailey) at the helm, and the uncertainty over Clarke’s fitness and his differences with the bosses of Cricket Australia, could become an unwelcome distraction as the home team attempt to life their fifth Cricket World Cup.  The one thing in Clarke’s favour is Bailey’s woeful form.  Despite being more destructive than Clarke at his best, Bailey’s recent woes will mean Clarke slots straight back in, and Australia are better for it.

Today’s Matchups

1. New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Hagley Oval (Christchurch – overcast conditions forecasted), starts 11:00am local time.

New Zealand – $1.52

Sri Lanka – $2.55

Having just beaten Sri Lanka 4-2 in a pre-tournament series, New Zealand start as obvious favourites.  New Zealand were clinical in most of their efforts in the series and also followed up with a 2-0 win over Pakistan.  However, they were troubled at times (falling to 5 down for less than 150 on three occasions), and add to the the Lasith Malinga factor and this one could be much closer than the odds suggest.

2. Australia v England, Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne – chance of showers), starts 2:30pm local time

Australia – $1.36

England – $3.15

The second game of the day also features two teams who have only recently squared off.  During the Carlton Mid Tri-Series Australia beat England on three occasions (two of them emphatically and one where they chased down over 300).  Australia are therefore overwhelming favourites and should be too strong at the home of Australian cricket.

Today’s Multi

The World Cup Welcome ‘W’ Multi

Kane Williamson (Top Score) + Shane Watson (Top Score) – $18.75

Rugby: Super Rugby 2015 Preview

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It’s that time of year again.  Right in the heart of summer, the Super Rugby season gets underway on Friday night.  We’ve got a run down of each side and their 2015 chances, with odds from Luxbet.

New Zealand Conference

BLUES

Squad: Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia, Tevita Li, Ben Lam, Frank Halai, George Moala, Hamish Northcott, Pita Ahki, Francis Saili, Dan Bowden, Ihaia West, Simon Hickey, Jimmy Cowan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bryn Hall, Joe Edwards, Luke Braid, Brendon O’Connor, Jerome Kaino (capt), Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Culum Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tony Woodcock, Sam Prattley, Keven Mealamu, James Parsons.

Last Year: 10th

X-Factor: Charles Piutau is now a well established All Black squad member and will be hoping to use the 2015 Super Rugby season to springboard his chances for Rugby World Cup selection.  The exciting winger will make up part of an exciting back three for the Blues with Tevita Li, Frank Halai and George Moala all possibilities to join him.

2015 Chances: Pretty slim.  First five-eighth has always been a stick area for the Blues and this year they’re putting their money on youngsters Simon Hickey, Ihaia West and the returning Dan Bowden.  None of this numbers draws much excitement and could be another painful year for the City of Sails residents.

2015 Odds: $19.00

CHIEFS

Squad: Tim Nanai-Williams, Tom Marshall, Hosea Gear, James Lowe, Bryce Heem, Anton Lienert-Brown, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Horrell, Aaron Cruden (co-capt), Damian McKenzie, Augustine Pulu, Brad Weber, Liam Squire, Sam Cane, Sean Polwart, Liam Messam (co-capt), Tevita Koloamatangi, Michael Leitch, Johan Bardoul, Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons, Michael Allardice, Mike Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Mitchell Graham, Jamie MacIntosh, Pauliasi Manu, Nathan Harris, Rhys Marshall, Quentin MacDonald.

Last Year: Qualifiers (5th)

X-Factor: It’s hard to overlook the World Rugby Player of the Year (Brodie Retallick) but the return of Sonny Bill Williams is likely to get most of the newspaper share.  After two seasons in the NRL, SBW returns to help the All Blacks go back to back at the World Cup.  Despite the season away he still has plenty about his game to like.  Look out for the offloads.

2015 Chances: Second favourites with the bookmakers on account of their fine record over the last three years.  Will go close again.

2015 Odds: $5.50

HURRICANES

Squad: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Matt Proctor, Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Vince Aso, Conrad Smith (capt), Reynold Lee-Lo, Ma’a Nonu, Willis Halaholo, Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie, Victor Vito, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Brad Shields, Mark Abbott, Jeremy Thrush, James Broadhurst, Christian Lloyd, Geoffrey Cridge, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Ben Franks, Ben May, Reggie Goodes, Dane Coles, Motu Matu’u.

Last Year: 7th

X-Factor: It’s difficult to pick international stars as the players to watch when we know they’ll sit ut portions of the tournament in order to manage workloads ahead of the Rugby World Cup.  Nevertheless, Julian Savea cannot be ignore.  The best finisher in the World is the modern day Jonah Lomu and an important part of the Hurricanes side.

2015 Chances: The Hurricanes should be there or thereabouts come the business end of the competition.  Can be incredibly inconsistent at this level and tend to leak a few too many tries, but we expect them to finish in the top 8, and push for the qualifying rounds.

2015 Odds: $16.00

CRUSADERS

Squad: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Nemani Nadolo, Jone Macilai, Robbie Fruean, Kieran Fonotia, Tom Taylor, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read (capt), Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor, Ged Robinson.

Last Year: Beaten Finalists

X-Factor: With a host of Crusaders stars resting this year Nemani Nadolo is the x-factor after a breakout 2014.  Joint top try-scorer last year with 12, the Fijian has explosive speed and will be one of the top try-scorers again this year.

2015: Chances: Good as always.  Sure they’ll lose some AB’s, and they’ve lost Andy Ellis.  But they’re well-coached, well used to winning and brilliantly lead by Kieran Read.  Will go close.

2015 Odds: $5.50

HIGHLANDERS

Squad: Ben Smith (co-capt), Trent Renata, Kurt Baker, Patrick Osborne, Waisake Naholo, Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Jason Emery, Shaun Treeby, Marty Banks, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Nasi Manu (co-capt), Gareth Evans, Shane Christie, John Hardie, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Ross Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Brendon Edmonds, Kane Hames, Ma’afu Fia, Pingi Tala’apitaga, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon.

Last Year: Qualifiers (6th)

X-Factor: 2014 was the year of Malakai Fekitoa.  Relatively unknown at the start of the year, Fekitoa reached the lofty heights of All Black mainstay, and even developed his game to play both midfield positions.  A strong runner, he also added some nice deft touches and kicking options later in the year too.

2015: Chances: They won’t win it, but they could upset some more favoured teams along the way to finishing around 10th.

2015 Odds: $41.00

Australian Conference

REBELS

Squad: Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Burgess, Cam Crawford, Steve Cummins, Jack Debreczeni, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, Jed Gillespie, Mike Harris, Bryce Hegarty, Scott Higginbotham, Keita Inagaki, Mitch Inman, Sam Jeffries, Luke Jones, Tom Kingston, Pat Leafa, Sean McMahon, Ben Meehan, Tim Metcher, Sefanaia Naivalu, Cadeyrn Neville, Jonah Placid, Jordy Reid, Radike Samo, Tom Sexton, Dom Shipperley, Toby Smith, Nic Stirzaker, Lopeti Timani, Telusa Veainu, Laurie Weeks, Ben Whittaker.

Last Year: 15th

X-Factor: The Rebels coach, Damien Hill, recently said that “[In Scott Higginbotham] you’ve got one of the best ball-running, lineout jumping options in Australian rugby.  We won’t argue, he’ll be huge (figuratively) for the Rebels this year.

2015 Chances: Will struggle.

2015 Odds: $126.00

FORCE

Squad: Robbie Abel, Chris Alcock, Nathan Charles, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Pek Cowan, Tetera Faulkner, Ross Haylett-Petty, Chris Heiberg, Matt Hodgson, Oliver Hoskins, Steve Mafi, Ben McCalman, Brynard Stander, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Heath Tessman, Francois van Wyk, Rory Walton, Sam Wykes, Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Nick Cummins, Pat Dellit, Sias Ebersohn, Kyle Godwin, Dane Haylett-Petty, Zack Holmes, Brad Lacey, Ryan Louwrens, Alby Mathewson, Luke Morahan, Albert Nikoro, Ian Prior, Junior Rasolea, Mitch Scott, Akihito Yamada.

Last Year: 8th

X-Factor: Nick Cummins doesn’t just have x-factor in television interviews – the Honey Badger as he’s affectionately known – is an accomplished finisher and after a quick stint in Japan has brokered a deal to make himself available for Super Rugby 2015.

2015 Chances: Enjoyed a relatively strong season last year despite not having many big name players.  Won’t be underestimated this year though, so we’re not expecting them to be factors in the tournament.

2015 Odds: $81.00

REDS

Squad: Curtis Browning, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Lolo Fakaosilea, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, David McDuling, Ed O’Donoghue, Eddie Quirk, Andrew Ready, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Hendrik Tui, Adam Thomson, Quade Cooper, Anthony Faingaa, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Karmichael Hunt, Samuela Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Campbell Magnay, James O’Connor, Duncan Paia’aua, Ben Tapuai, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, Lachie Turner.

Last Year: 13th

X-Factor: Karmichael Hunt will have plenty of eyes on him when he lines up for the Reds for the first time in 2015.  In fact, he’s lining up on a rugby pitch for the first time after successful stints in the NRL and AFL.  It takes a special player to play in all three formats and Special K is exactly that.

2015 Chances: Could spring a few surprises but likely to miss out on the top 6.

2015 Odds: $16.00

BRUMBIES

Squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Fotu Auelua, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Les Makin, Stephen Moore, Joshua Mann-Rea, David Pocock, Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Tom Staniforth, Nigel Ah Wong, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Rod Iona, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White.

Last Year: Semi-Finals

X-Factor: Tevita Kuridrani is one of the most underrated Australian backs in the game.  Every time he pulls on a Wallabies jumper he looks dangerous, yet doesn’t always get the game time he deserves.  It will be interesting to see how his hard line ball running goes in a World Cup year.

2015 Chances: Well coached, and very difficult to beat at home.  Should make the top 6.

2015 Odds: $12.00

WARRATAHS

Squad: Michael Alaalatoa, Mitchell Chapman, Dennis, Tala Gray, Stephen Hoiles, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Pat McCutcheon, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jacques Potgieter, Hugh Roach, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Jeremy Tilse, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Peter Betham, Matt Carraro, Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Jono Lance, Kotaro Matsushima, Brendan McKibbin, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, Ben Volavola.

Last Year: Winners

X-Factor: Israel Folau is quite simply one of the world’s best.  A devastatingly good 2014 saw him jointly top the try-scoring charts and guide the Warratahs to the title.  Folau breaks tackles at will with his languid angled running, and has proved difficult to stop in domestic and international rugby.

2015 Chances: Excellent chance of repeating their 2014 win.

2015 Odds: $4.50

South African Conference

SHARKS

Squad: Lourens Adriaanse, Mouritz Botha, Renaldo Bothma, Dale Chadwick, Michael Claassens, Marcell Coetzee, Kyle Cooper, Lionel Cronjé, Jean Deysel, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Monde Hadebe, Conrad Hoffmann, Ryan Kankowski, Patrick Lambie, Khaya Majola, Franco Marais, SP Marais, Beast Mtawarira, Tera Mtembu, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Waylon Murray, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Etienne Oosthuizen, Paul Perez, JP Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, S’bura Sithole, Matt Stevens, Frans Steyn, Stefan Ungerer, Marco Wentzel, Heimar Williams, Jack Wilson, Cameron Wright, Fred Zeilinga.

Last Year: Semi-Finals

X-Factor: Bismarck du Plessis is an incredibly gifted athlete.  He has size, presence, and feet, and is equally happy on defence or attack.  The brute of a man sometimes attracts controversy for his aggressive approach, but just to be clear, he has x-factor by the bicep load.

2015 Chances: They’ll be the best of the South African bunch and should be around at the business end of the tournament.  Need to get themselves home finals if they want to seal the deal.

2015 Odds: $8.00

LIONS

Squad: Marnitz Boshoff, Andries Coetzee, Robin Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Ross Cronje, Faf de Klerk, Steph de Witt, Ruan Dreyer, Corne Fourie, Stokkies Hanekom, Elton Jantjies, Jaco Kriel, Robert Kruger, Ruaan Lerm, MB Lusaseni, Malcolm Marx, Lionel Mapoe, Sampie Mastriet, Derick Minnie, Howard Mnisi, Franco Mostert, Martin Muller, Julian Redelinghuys, Mark Richards, Courtnall Skosan, Warwick Tecklenburg, Armand van der Merwe, Schalk van der Merwe, Jaco van der Walt, Jacques van Rooyen, Anthony Volmink, Harold Vorster, Warren Whiteley (capt).

Last Year: 12th

X-Factor: The Lions have two main contenders for their most important player.  But neigher of them have x-factpr per se.  Marnitz Boshoff is one of the premium goal kickers in the competition.  Very rarely misses and often keeps his side in the hunt.  Their baby faced captain on the other hand Warren Whitely is the engine room of the pack.  Both crucial to their chances.

2015 Chances: No chance.

2015 Odds: $151.00

CHEETAHS

Squad: Caylib Oosthuizen, BG Uys, Danie Minnie, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Martin Bezuidenhout, Stefan Coetzee, Coenie Oosthuizen, Maks van Dyk, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Carl Wegner, Lodewyk de Jager, Francois Uys, Armand Koster, Boom Prinsloo, Carel Greeff, Jean Cook, Tienie Burger, Oupa Mohoje, Willie Britz, Sarel Pretorius, Shaun Venter, Tian Meyer, Joe Petersen, Willie du Plessis, Francois Brummer, Raymond Rhule, Cornal Hendricks, Danie Dames, Francois Venter, Rayno Benjamin, Michael van der Spuy, Johan Sadie, JW Jonker, Willie le Roux, Clayton Blommetjies.

Last Year: 14th

X-Factor: His South African coach recently hailed him as the world’s best fullback, which is no mean feat when others include Israel Dagg, Ben Smith and Israel Folau.  But Willie le Roux might just be able to back up that claim with a strong 2015.

2015 Chances: Also no chance.

2015 Odds: $151.00

BULLS

Squad: Arno Botha, Jacques du Plessis, Dean Greyling, Grant Hattingh, Nico Janse van Rensburg, Werner Kruger, Lappies Labuschagne, Hanro Liebenberg, Bandise Maku, Victor Matfield, Morne Mellett, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Pierre Spies, Deon Stegmann, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Marcel van der Merwe, Callie Visagie, Jaco Visagie, Bjorn Basson, Ulrich Beyers, JJ Engelbrecht, Wayne Gelant, Francois Hougaard, Travis Ismaiel, Jesse Kriel, Duncan Matthews, Akona Ndungane, Burger Odendaal, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jan Serfontein, William Small-Smith, Jamba Ulengo, Piet van Zyl, Jurgen Visser.

Last Year: 9th

X-Factor: At just 20 years of age, Handre Pollard has already chalked up an impressive 9 test matches including when he helped stop the All Blacks impressive 22 match unbeaten record in Johannesburg.  Pollard was last year awarded the IRB Young Player of the Year acclaim, and we’re excited to see what he can do in his third year of Super Rugby.

2015 Chances: Should do okay in 2015 if they can get a couple of wins on the road.  Have a handy draw to help them on their way.

2015 Odds: $13.00

STORMERS

Squad: Ruan Botha, Schalk Burger, Manuel Carizza, Nizaam Carr, Rynhard Elstadt, Eben Etzebeth, Oliver Kebble, Steven Kitshoff, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Neil Rautenbach, Michael Rhodes, Jurie van Vuuren, Frans van Wyk, Alistair Vermaak, Duane Vermeulen, Michael Willemse, Demetri Catrakilis, Kurt Coleman, Damian de Allende, Juan de Jongh, Robert du Preez, Ryno Eksteen, Nick Groom, Pat Howard, Huw Jones, Cheslin Kolbe, Johnny Kotze, Dillyn Leyds, Godlin Masimla, Louis Schreuder, Jaco Taute, Kobus van Wyk, EW Viljoen.

Last Year: 11th

X-Factor: Duane Vermeulen was one of the best players in World Rugby last year.  His combative and aggressive approach unsettles plenty of opposition players and saw him nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award.  Some say he should have won, so he might have some frustration to take out on Super Rugby players.

2015 Chances: Could be the dark horses of the South African conference.  Don’t write off.

2015 Odds: $14.00