he rugby/league pools were not struck last week and we estimate this week’s jackpot will be $15,000
Game 1 Souths v North Queensland ( 80 mins )
The Crusaders were remarkable last week in beating the Waratahs after a week of total turmoil. The Brumbies, on the other hand, were poor just days after they sacked their coach, Andy Friend. This game will again be played in Nelson and the Crusaders should prove to be too good.
Recommendation: Crusaders 13 or more.
Game 2: Rebels v Sharks
The Melbourne Rebels were well beaten by the Chiefs in Hamilton last week but in this game they return to the scene of their first triumph, where they downed the Brumbies. The Sharks are one of just two unbeaten teams in the competition and they should be able to carry that record through another week.
Recommendation: Sharks 12 and under, 13 or more.
Game 3: Sydney v Souths (80 minutes)
The opening match of the NRL season and a traditional clash between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs to get the season underway. The Roosters were outstanding last season in reaching the Grand Final and look strong again this season while Souths have recruited well in the off season with the big coup being the signing of Greg Inglis. Close.
Recommendation: Both sides 12 and under.
Game 4: Brisbane v North Queensland (80 minutes)
The classic Queensland derby game between two sides who under-performed in 2010. The Broncos just recently sacked their coach, Ivan Henjak, and they'll very much rely, as per normal, on their inspirational skipper Darren Lockyer. The Cowboys have done some recruiting in the off-season, including recruiting former Warrior Brent Tate. Their fortunes will depend a lot on the form of Johnathan Thurston.
Recommendation: Brisbane 12 and under.
Game 5: Stormers v Highlanders
The Stormers are again at home, after recent victories at Newlands over the Lions and the Cheetahs. This will be tougher after the Highlanders again showed that they have improved dramatically this season under the guidance of Jamie Joseph. The win over the Bulls was the first by an away team in Pretoria since 2008 and it showed that the Highlanders could also win in Cape Town.
Recommendation: Both sides 12 and under.
Game 6: Hurricanes v Chiefs
The Hurricanes haven't played since round one, when they were awful against the Highlanders, so it's difficult to get a line on their expected form in this game. The Chiefs, after two disappointing games to start their campaign, finally burst into life against the Rebels last week and had a good win.
Recommendation: Hurricanes 12 and under.
Game 7: Warriors v Parramatta (80 minutes)
The Warriors open their season at Eden Park against the Steve Kearney-coached Eels and, as always, there are high expectations being placed on the home side. There have been some good signings to the club with ex-Eels players, Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu, along with the veteran ex Kangaroo Shaun Berrigan. The Warriors should get the season going on the right note.
Recommendation: Warriors 12 and under, 13 or more.
Game 8: Western Force v Blues
The Force are winless so far, after losses to the Reds and Sharks, while the Blues were able to bounce back from a loss in Durban to beat the Lions in Johannesburg last week. The Force aren't easy at home but the Blues look to have superior depth in their squad.
Recommendation: Blues 12 and under.
Game 9: Gold Coast v St George (80 minutes)
The Gold Coast Titans were excellent last season and with much of the same side, they should be big players again this season. They are coming up here, in their opening game, against the defending Premiers and the Dragons are fresh from winning the World Club title in the northern hemisphere, against Wigan. Could be tight.
Recommendation: St George 12 and under.
Game 10: Cheetahs v Lions
Neither side has recorded a win so far this season but both are looking considerably better than in 2010. The Cheetahs have run close against the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers, while the Lions have stayed close with the Bulls, Stormers and the Blues. There won't be much in this.
Recommendation: Both sides 12 and under.