Bookmakers have backed a New Zealand team to win this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby trophy, with defending champions the Crusaders installed as the favourites.

The Crusaders, on the hunt for a Super Rugby hat-trick after winning the title in 2017 and 2018, have been installed as 5/2 favourites by Sporting Bet. They are followed by fellow New Zealand franchises in the Hurricanes (7/2), Chiefs (6/1) and Highlanders (8/1).

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The Lions are the only South African franchise that have been given a chance at the title at 8/1, but they are surprisingly followed by the underperforming Jaguares at 12/1.

The Waratahs (14/1) and Brumbies (20/1) are the Australian favourites, while the Blues (25/1) are expected to be the weakest of the New Zealand franchises, with the rest of the South African teams, the Sharks (28/1), Vodacom Bulls and Stormers (both 33/1) following.

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Meanwhile, the Rebels (50/1), Reds (100/1) and Sunwolves (500/1) are not expected to put up any title challenge this season.

Photo: Martin Hunter/Getty Images