Super 14 Preview

Fletch went 2 for three here, only missing out on the first game, where the Force snatched a late win on the road.

Well last week we were right and wrong. Trading the Brumbies helped a lot, especially in the rain but the Sharks were too strong for the Waratahs. although I felt the New South Wales outfit missesd some glaring opportunities.

Bulls v Force Friday 6.35pm SkySports
A cracking match for the Friday evening punter as the big, brash forward dominated forwards of the Bulls welcome the Western Force to Pretoria. This might not be pretty as the Bulls will want to play route one rugger and bulldoze with their giant pack led superbly by Victor Matfield.

However, if the Force can spread the ball and run the forwards around, then in Matt Giteau, rugby league convert Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell and Scott Staniforth they have some sprinters to do some damage. Million dollar man Giteau is one of the best ball players in the game. He moves to 10 this week – no hardship for Force there – although Cameron Shepherd will need to kick every goal.

My feeling is that the Bulls are too strong at home.

Odds are 4/11 best priced on Bulls and generally 3/1 on Force.

Is this tradable for the exchange guys? If so wait and watch how the Force play and if their pack stands up. If they don’t it’s a decent Bulls win by at least five if not 10 or more.

Interestingly, I am keen for a small flutter on the Force with a start of 10 points at 10/11 with Stan James.

Reds v Brumbies Saturday 9.05am SkySports
A cracking all Aussie Eastern Seaboard match-up. I am with the Brumbies here from start to finish. At 8/15 it’s a straight bet for me. They have Gregan and Larkham back in tandem and Stirling Mortlock returns. That is enough for this match for me and I think a 5 point win sounds fair for these two sides.

Sharks v Highlanders Saturday 6.30pm SkySports
This is a golden opportunity for the strong South African franchise to cement a good table spot while the Kiwi sides are still without their All Blacks stars.

The South Island side beat a lacklustre Force in Round 1 and lost to the Lions last week. A poor effort, and I expect Sharks to win comfortbaly. I am on them straight up and handicap.

2/9 is short but I’m on for a point and another at 10/11 with a 11 point handicap.

I just cannot see the HIghlanders standing up to a Shark pack and runners that did for the Waratahs.