Friday, May 10

Chiefs v Force

The Force, who are moaning about their travel schedule, are on a Magical Mystery tour to Pukekohe, a town which pronounced a slightly different way has provided mirth for countless Australians over the decades. But the Force shouldn't enjoy too many laughs in this pretty place as the Chiefs are starting to get their act together. Expect more "they're all out to get us" whingeing from the Force on Saturday.

Tip: Chiefs

Queensland Reds v Sharks

Surely the Reds can't be as bad as they were in Perth last week, when they dropped their standards. But the Force were smart, deliberately targeting Will Genia all game, including having several opposing players piggyback him for most of the match, and British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland will have learned a lot from that game. Expect Genia targeting to turn into a big emotive issue in June and July. Robbie Deans may even appear from under the Wallabies' "cone of silence" to complain; it's that serious.

Tip: Reds

Cheetahs v Hurricanes

The Cheetahs' biggest psychological advantage is playing at home. For any team, spending a few days in Bloemfontein is a mind warping experience. Invigorating? No. The Las Vegas of South Africa it ain't. Just wait until the Hurricanes see the manmade waterfront in the middle of town. Don't fish in the lake. You will get electrocuted. Or as Quade Cooper would say: "It's toxic."

Tip: Cheetahs

Saturday, May 11

Blues v Melbourne Rebels

This is danger time for the Rebels. They're in an overseas country, and somewhere they will have to get on a team bus. As there are some alluring nightspots in Auckland, it could again be "put up your dooks" time. Admittedly the Rebels have improved in the past few weeks, but still weird things happen to this merry mob of men when they pass through airport departure gates. And steamy K Road beckons.

Tip: Blues

New South Wales Waratahs v Stormers

Have I been swept up in all the excitement of the Waratahs' 48,000-point win in Port Elizabeth? Surely they're no chance against the Stormers, who, according to a vague SANZAR investigation, must have got up to something sneaky in New Zealand. No! Teams have a way of bouncing back shortly after returning from South Africa. Next week is the problem.

Tip: Waratahs.

Southern Kings v Highlanders

Yes, I am going bonkers. I'm tipping the Kings. Why? Because the Highlanders, who should be in the top half of the ladder considering the talent they have, have been on a "go slow" all season. They may not even be bothered going to the ground. Kings by forfeit.

Tip: Kings

Bye: Brumbies, Crusaders, Bulls

Make your ESPN FootyTips selections for Super Rugby round 13