Waratahs should edge out jaded Rebels

Force v Highlanders
Sky Sports 2, 10.45am Saturday
The Force are back home at Perth after their big win over the Jaguares last week, but they have travelled around the globe in the last fortnight and face a huge test against a Highlanders side who have won seven in a row.

On the plus side the Australian outfit have a few players back while the Highlanders are without suspended winger Waisake Naholo, but the visitors are on a roll and should make their class tell in the closing stages.

Recommendation
Highlanders -6 on second-half handicap
1pt 10-11 Coral, Hills

Sunwolves v Sharks
Sky Sports Mix, 12.55pm Saturday
The Sunwolves have had nearly a fortnight to stew since throwing away a 12-point lead against the Jaguares as they shipped three tries in the final 15 minutes.

The Sharks have looked patchy over the last month, drawing at home with the Rebels and losing to the Kings, and the Sunwolves ought to be competitive in this clash in Singapore.

The Sharks won this fixture 40-29 in Durban last year but this one could be closer.

Recommendation
Sunwolves +13
1pt 10-11 Sky Bet

Lions v Bulls
Sky Sports 5, 4.15pm Saturday
The Lions are back on home soil having won three out of three in Australia and they are 15-point favourites against the stuttering Bulls.

The visitors were more resilient in last week’s 17-10 home defeat to the Highlanders having been hammered by the Crusaders the week before.

They have leaked an average of less than 30 points a game, so victory looks a forlorn hope against a fired-up Lions side, it’s unlikely to be a heavy defeat.

Recommendation
Lions to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 3-1 general

Waratahs v Rebels
Sky Sports 2, 7.05am Sunday
In a poor year for the Australian Super Rugby sides the Tahs’ three victories have come against fellow Aussie sides, including a 32-25 defeat of the Rebels in round five.

The Waratahs have had a bye week while the Rebels returned from a three-match South African jaunt to lose to the Reds last week.

The Tahs aren’t the most powerful side but they can edge a jaded Rebels side.

Recommendation
Waratahs to win by one to 12 points
1pt 12-5 Coral, Ladbrokes

The Brumbies are five-point favourites for their non-televised clash at the Kings (6.30pm Saturday).