Betting tips / Matthew Burke / 23 March 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Matt Burke isn't predicting the best outcomes for the 'Tahs or the Rebels in their respective Super Rugby match-ups this weekend.

Waratahs v Sharks

I am going to jump on the band wagon and tell you how poorly the Tahs are going.

The lack of direction shown by the team is becoming a concern for coach Michael Foley. The inside info is that Berrick Barnes is still not right and won't be kicking because of the troublesome groin. This is no excuse though for not understanding how to get around the park. They struggled against the bigger pack of the Force and will be under more pressure with the Sharks coming to town.

The Sharks haven't won in Sydney since 2000 but they are a better team than that stat suggests.

They have a massive pack that will be too strong for the Tahs'. The Sharks are two and two so far this season, with the losses being close results. The talk is about the pack, but they have a great backline to back up the power of the pigs. Lambie at 10 has the skills and the ability to score all the points.

This will be a battle at the SFS but the away team will bring more to the table this weekend.

Sharks to win. One unit @ $2.20 or better

Rebels v Force
Here we have a hometown derby and the first time James O'Connor faces his old team. There will be no love lost here, and with the losses the Rebels have had this year - especially last week - this game is unlikely to provide the boost their confidence desperately needs.

The Force has played a limited game for the first three rounds this year, playing too narrow, but last week saw them throw the ball around and use some width and they got the results. The positive was in the forwards again and their ability to consistently win the ball and steal it from the opposition.

James Stannard is fast becoming the rock in this team. Understanding his play and limitations he is well suited to the game plan. David Harvey at fullback provides another source of attack. These two will steer the Force around the park and put them in good positions.

The Rebels desperately need a win, and at home are searching for something special. They have got all the individuals to do a job but it comes down to team performance. They have yet to gel as a team and the result will be an away win for the Force.

A close one in Melbourne.

Force to steal a win. One unit @ $1.82 or better