So much for New South Wales and even Australian rugby fans getting behind their Waratahs in Saturday’s Super Rugby grand final – The ‘Tahs have been abandoned by punters with online bookmaker sportsbet taking more than 3 times the money on the Crusaders.

Since opening the Waratahs as $1.67 favourites, all the interest has been in the Crusaders at $2.21.

Predictably, the New Zealand franchise has also been better supported in handicap betting, receiving 2.5 points start at $1.90.

And when it comes to the winning margin, the most popular option by far is Crusaders 13+ at the juicy odds of $7.00.

“The ‘Tahs have been the best team in the competition but punters are wary of the Waratahs curse that’s seen them continually underachieve. The Crusaders on the other hand are perennial winners, having 7 titles to their name,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Christian Jantzen.

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

Waratahs v Crusaders

$1.67  Waratahs

$2.21   Crusaders

Line Betting

$1.90   Waratahs (-2.5)

$1.90   Crusaders (+2.5)

Winning Margin

$2.50   Waratahs 1-12

$4.00   Waratahs 13+

$23      Draw

$2.88   Crusaders 1-12

$7.00   Crusaders 13+