Bookies make Crusaders favourites for 8th title

Cape Town - The Crusaders will land a record eighth Super Rugby title this season - if bookmakers are to be believed...

Leading SA bookies Sportingbet have installed Scott Robertson's men as 13/10 favourites to emerge victorious in the final ever - hopefully - 18-team strong tournament.

The Lions are next best at 12/5, followed by the Hurricanes at 13/5, while the Chiefs are considered outsiders for a third title at 8/1.

The Crusaders will battle their fellow New Zealanders, the Chiefs, in Saturday's first semi-final at 09:35 SA time.

The Crusaders are 3/10 favourites to win the match, and 7-point handicap favourites.

In the second semi-final, the defending champion Hurricanes are marginal 3/4 favourites to upset the Lions at Ellis Park (kick-off at 14:30) - and by 2 points on handicap.