New Zealand sides will once again dominate this year's  https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby" rel="nofollow - Super Rugby  tournament, if bookmakers are to be believed...

The 24th edition of the tournament kicks off on  https://www.sport24.co.za/rugby/superrugby/schedule" rel="nofollow - Friday, February 15  when the Chiefs host the Highlanders in Hamilton (08:35 SA time).

Since the inaugural tournament back in 1996, in the 23 years of competition, on only seven occasions has a New Zealand team not emerged victorious.

And leading SA bookies  https://sports.sportingbet.co.za/en/sports#eventId=&leagueIds=22741&marketGroupId=&page=0&sportId=32" rel="nofollow - Sportingbet  can't see that becoming eight in 2019.

The defending champion Crusaders, looking for a hat-trick of titles - and a 10th overall - have been installed as 11/4 favourites, followed by another three sides from All Black country - the Hurricanes(7/2), Chiefs (6/1) and Highlanders (8/1).

The Lions are also on offer at 8/1, followed by, perhaps surprisingly, the Jaguares at 12/1.

The Waratahs (14/1) and Brumbies (20/1) are next best and are expected to fight for Australian Conference honours.

The Blues, Sharks and Stormers all find themselves at 33/1, with the Bulls (40/1) expected to once again be the weakest of the SA sides.

The Rebels (50/1), Reds (100/1) and Sunwolves (500/1) can be laughed off as title contenders.