2008 Super 14

Home : Rugby Union : Super 14

Provincial teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa make up the Super 14, which is the largest rugby union championship in the southern hemisphere.

The championship started in 1996 and through the 2005 season the competition was known as Super 12. Two teams were added for the 2006 campaign, thus the new name, Super 14.

Super 14 Betting Odds - Click Here

The 14 teams, which represent substantial regions of the three participating countries, play 13 games during the 14-week season. There is no divisional or pool system. Each team plays six or seven home games and six or seven away games. Each team has one bye during the season. A total of 91 regular season games are played.

The top four teams at the end of the regular competition qualify for the finals. The semi-finals decide the two teams that will battle for the championship, which is played at the highest ranked winner’s home ground. In the semi-final round, the first place team hosts the fourth place team and the second place team hosts the third place team.

Teams receive four points for a win, two for a draw and none for a loss. Teams can also receive bonus points for scoring four tries or for losing a game by seven points or less.

Clubs representing Australia include the Brumbies, New South Wales Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force.

The entries from New Zealand are the Blues, the Chiefs, the Crusaders, the Highlanders and the Hurricanes.

The Bulls, Central Cheetahs, the Lions, the Sharks and the Stormers are teams from South Africa.

Two New Zealand teams squared off in the 2006 championship game. The Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes, 19-12, to claim the title. The Waratahs from Australia and the Bulls from South Africa were the other semi-final teams.

During the 11 years of Super 12 and Super 14 competition, the Crusaders have won six championships and have finished second twice. The Blues from New Zealand have two titles and a second place finish and the Brumbies from Australia has claimed three championships and three, second place trophies.

Latest Rugby Union Betting Odds

Super 14: Rugby Union Betting Super 14 - Rugby Union Odds Plus: Fantastic Free Money Bonus offers for all new members!