One thing  is clear, tipping winners in the opening round of the NRL premiership is no easy task.

In recent years, it has proven disastrous.

Never seem to pick a host of winners.

You try to get a gauge on trial form, but it just doesn’t seem to work.

And after a tumultuous build up to the season it’s hard to know how certain teams are going to perform, especially the likes of the Bulldogs, Tigers, Tigers and Sharks.

Taking a look at the team line-ups will help tipsters and no doubt you’ve got a gut feeling as to who might win this weekend, but for Round 1 it would probably be a good idea if you consider the opinions of the the bookies.

Splitting the teams in most games in Round 1 is no easy task.

Anyway, deadline is fast approaching, so it’s time to show some gumption and settle on eight teams.

Round 1 tips on Sportsword will be revealed at 4.30pm (AEST).

The good news is that tipping winners in Round 2 might prove a little easier.

The Knights and Roosters should be the big improvers in 2013, the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Dragons could get the wobbles, it’s hard to see the Rabbitohs, Sharks and Raiders going backwards, can Bellamy lift the Storm to great heights once again, the arrival of Prince is a boost for the Broncos, and the Cowboys are the team to beat.  

Finally, here’s how the teams could finish in 2013 – let’s just say that Cronulla will escape sanction.

 1 Cowboys

 2 Storm

 3 Rabbitohs

 4 Sharks

 5 Knights

 6 Bulldogs

 7 Raiders

 8 Broncos

 9 Roosters

10 Sea Eagles

11 Tigers

12 Warriors

13 Titans

14 Panthers

15 Dragons

16 Eels 

Disaster.

Couldn’t split three games in Round 2 of the Super Rugby last weekend and the biggest fear was that we could end up on the losing side in each game.

And wouldn’t you know it.

The Highlanders, Waratahs and Stormers, who we selected, succumbed to the Chiefs, Reds and Bulls, respectively.

Apologies to our fan base, but all three games were a toss of the coin.

Of the games in Round 3, the Sharks-Stormers encounter is the hardest game when it comes to nominating a winner.

The Sharks are at home and started the 2013 season with a win on the road against the Cheetahs, while the Stormers hit the road once again after falling to the Bulls last weekend.

The Stormers are out for revenge after crashing to the Sharks in a home semi-final last year, but with key men missing, including Burger, it might be a wise option to stick with the Sharks on this occasion.

However, after last week, don’t write off the Stormers – Sportsword’s tip to win the Super Rugby title in 2013.

There’s plenty to like about the Reds-Hurricanes match-up and you’ve got every to feel good about the Reds, but the Hurricanes haven’t succumbed to the Brisbane-based franchise since 2007.

Smith returns for the Hurricanes, but it’s hard to warm to the boys from Wellington after their shock loss to the visiting Blues a week ago.

Speaking of the Blues, they welcome the Crusaders to Auckland in yet another mouth-watering contest.

The Crusaders take the field for the first time this season and might be a bit rusty against a buoyant Blues, but history suggests you under-estimate the Crusaders at your peril.

Put it this way, the Blues perhaps have more chance of rolling the Crusaders than the Hurricanes have of toppling the Reds.

In other games, the Waratahs, Chiefs and Bulls should prove too good for the Rebels, Cheetahs and Force, respectively.

It’s the start of the 2013 Super Rugby season, but what a pity there’s only two games on the menu.

The Rebels shouldn’t have too many problems accounting for the visiting Force in Melbourne on Friday night, although both teams have shared the spoils in their two games at AAMI Park.

If Scott Higginbotham’s move from the Reds to the Rebels was significant, then how big is David Pocock’s move from the Force to the Brumbies?

Higginbotham will certainly make the Rebels a lot more competitive, but the arrival of Pocock should just about guarantee the Brumbies a spot in the finals. And, using Higginbotham as a barometer, the Brumbies may just pip the Reds for a spot in the finals.

The Brumbies-Reds match up on Saturday is mouth-watering, to say the least, and both teams would fancy their chances.

The Brumbies have probably displayed slightly better form during the trials and home ground advantage may prove the difference on this occasion.

However, the Reds got the cash when last they visited Canberra, but only after the Brumbies missed a penalty goal attempt in the final minute.

The Brumbies are by no means “specials”, but they boast an impressive 9-2 record against the Reds in the nation’s capital.

The action hots up next weekend with seven games, but until then it’s time to nominate the teams who are capable of making the finals before settling on a Top 6 and the 2013 champions.

Finally, let’s just hope that the Kings prove a much more competitive outfit than the Lions.

Finals chances:

Crusaders ($4.75) – Yes

Chiefs ($7) – Yes

Stormers ($7) – Yes

Reds ($10) – Yes

Sharks ($10) – Yes

Waratahs ($10) – Yes

Highlanders ($11) – Yes

Brumbies ($13) – Yes

Hurricanes ($13) – Yes

Bulls ($17) – Yes

Rebels ($51) – No

Cheetahs ($101) – No

Force ($126) – No

Kings ($501) – No

Top 6:

Crusaders

Chiefs

Stormers

Sharks

Highlanders

Brumbies

2013 Champions:

Stormers

I’ll let you be the judge. Is Shane Warne making comments to enhance the future of Australian cricket? Or is he simply continuing to vent his spleen after being overlooked as captain of the national team?

In my view, it’s starting to become one big yawn. And you wouldn’t get too many disagree if you argued that Warne keeps on making these outrageous statements to deflect attention from his own poor form (and captaincy) during the Big Bash League, when his Melbourne Stars once again missed the final.

Yes, rotating players is proving a frustrating exercise for all and sundry, but it’s a clear sign that those behind the scenes in the Aussie set-up are desperate to succeed in India and especially in England.

Perhaps wrapping players in cotton wool is justified, but, as Dale Steyn proved during the recent Australia-South Africa Test series, he only got better the more overs he bowled.

Ask yourself this question: Would Dennis Lillee have been rotated during his prime?

The fact that Peter Siddle was bowled to the point of exhaustion in the Adelaide Test is because Michael Clarke panicked, and Ben Hilfenhaus didn’t step up to the plate following the injury to James Pattinson.

Sending players to India early for a “training camp” is also ridiculous. Years ago, touring teams used to play games leading up to a Test. It proved invaluable. If you were preparing for a Test match overseas, would you prefer to attend a training camp or play a lead-up game?

The reason South Africa rose to the top in world cricket — at a Test level at least — is Mickey Arthur, so he doesn’t deserve to step aside for Warne’s choice – former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming. Even before Arthur became head coach, Australia were showing signs that their dominance in the ODI arena was waning. And they’ve never really been a good T20 side.

For Warne to suggest the same 11 players should play all three formats of the game for Australia is bordering on the extraordinary. He suggests that current Australian selectors John Inverarity (chairman), Andy Bichel and Arthur should be replaced in favour of Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming and Mark Waugh.

Current selector Rod Marsh will one day replace Inverarity as chairman, but not yet.

Warne and Marsh are mates after Warne attended the Academy under the tutelage of Marsh.

The only criticism of the selectors is that there are a host of players who may never appear for Australia again after making only one or two appearances at a Test, ODI and T20 level in recent years.

Mark Taylor replacing James Sutherland one day as Cricket Australia’s chief executive has merit, but there isn’t much that Sutherland is doing wrong. Warne also has a close association with Darren Lehmann and Ian Chappell, so it comes as no surprise that he wants to see the former becoming national assistant coach to Fleming and the latter becoming a consultant to the national team. And to top things off, Warne would like to see Mike Hussey and Michael Bevan as national batting coaches and Merv Hughes and Bruce Reid in charge of bowling.

As Australia’s high-performance chief, Pat Howard obviously has an agenda, but let’s give it 12 months before we question his methods  re rotation etc. Bare in mind Australia will battle to win the Test series in India and England, and will start the Ashes as underdogs when England arrive on our shores next summer. And it’s unlikely Australia will show massive improvement in the ODI and T20 arena.

Why? We just haven’t got the players. Most of them are good, but they’re not great — and the loss of Mike Hussey is monumental.

Warne says he is passionate about the Australian team, which is fair enough, but when it comes to making big statements and big decisions there’s a philosophy that you shouldn’t allow your heart to rule your head.

Clearly, Warne is speaking from the heart. In contrast, Cricket Australia were using their head when they announcing this week that they had appointed Dennis Lillee to their high-performance team as a bowling advisor.

As a cricket commentator, Warne makes a wonderful cricket player.

It’s unlikely to happen, but some of us will have our fingers crossed that when the Australian team arrives in England later this year Warne won’t be behind the microphone.

— David White

Shane Warne will no doubt be labelled the hero, if not the catalyst, should the Melbourne Stars end up winning the Big Bash League.

Despite the success of the Sydney Sixers in the past 12 months, it’s the Stars who have seemingly received all the exposure since the formation of the BBL. They’ve even recruited Viv Richards as a coaching consultant.

After succumbing to the Perth Scorchers at the WACA in a semi-final last season under the guidance of Cameron White, the Stars look like securing a home semi-final this season under Warne’s leadership. And should they go all the way and in fact win the competition, Warne will undoubtedly receive all the plaudits.

There will be those who will also say that he should have captained Australia as well.

However, the events of last Sunday night — where he clashed with Renegades batsman Marlon Samuels in the Melbourne derby at a packed MCG — left a sour taste in the mouth.

Most Aussie cricket fans adore Warne, but over the years others have cringed at his antics both on and off the playing field.

There is no denying the fact that he is arguably the best leg-spinner of all time; however, even his most ardent supporters would have become tired of his unruly behaviour — from ridiculing Darryl Cullinan to ripping a camera from the grasp of a young boy after he was photographed smoking when he was receiving a six-figure sum promoting Nicorette gum and patches, to taking a banned diuretic on the eve of the 2003 World Cup.

It wouldn’t be that hard to highlight other incidents, but you’ve got to remember that Warne has grown up kids these days. How would you like it if you ended up reading about things your father did in the past in a public forum?

One thing is for certain, we now know why he was never appointed Australian captain.

Back to the MCG on Sunday night. There were signs that Warne was showing signs of pressure as the Stars battled to nullify the Renegades, who brought their A game to the table.

For once, despite his 43 years, Warne couldn’t weave his magic. He was unable to be the match-winner.

The Stars were by no means assured of a semi-final spot prior to the Renegades match and the fact that the Stars’ cross-town rivals won the derby once again may have been too much for Warne to bear.

Warne would hate to end his career as a loser, especially as captain of the Stars in such a big competition, so you could perhaps understand his desperation on Sunday night.

Samuels wasn’t Mr Popularity either last weekend after grabbing at David Hussey’s shirt when the Stars were batting.

The subsequent verbal barrage fired in Samuels’ direction was always going to happen when the Renegades batted, but what prompted Warne to grab at the West Indian’s jumper?

More to the point, why didn’t the umpires take action when Samuels and Hussey clashed in the first innings?

And for Warne to throw the ball at Samuels was ridiculous. Warne says that he was throwing the ball to Stars wicketkeeper Rob Quiney. The only things is that Quiney was wearing green, as worn by Warne, and not red, as worn by Samuels.

Imagine what would have eventuated had the Stars ran out Samuels when his battle with Warne hotted up.

Warne attempted to push the issue to the side when interviewed after the game, but you could say he was stretching the truth when he said he was throwing the ball back to Quiney.

Cricket Australia officials weren’t convinced either, and they were totally justified to fine the “Sheik of Tweak” a cool $4500.

Apart from his stoush with Samuels, Warne’s language left a lot to be desired and he apparently gave it to the umpires.

Samuels, who is now nursing a serious facial injury, will meet with Cricket Australia when he is fit and able, and it’s unlikely he will escape a fine. Unlikely you’ll see Samuels again in the BBL after the treatment he has received this season — remember his debate with Darren Berry in Adelaide.

In defence of Samuels, ask yourself how you would have reacted if you were minding your own business and then suddenly you were struck by the ball thrown by a fieldsman.

You may not have thrown your bat, but you wouldn’t have been happy.

To be fair, there have been numerous skirmishes during the current BBL campaign.

How Daniel Christian and Clint McKay avoided sanction following their spat at the Gabba defies belief.

A fellow cricket fan said to me recently that perhaps Cricket Australia and organisers of the BBL were turning a blind eye to the “niggle” to attract bigger crowds to various venues and more viewers on television.

It was a valid argument, but it’s clear that action had to be taken after what occurred on Sunday night.

The Stars-Renegades game attracted 47,000 the other night — a staggering crowd figure.

Just imagine what the crowd will be if they end up meeting in the final?

Finally, you just felt like reaching for the bucket when Elizabeth Hurley defended her fiance on Twitter.

— David White

Before we start gearing up for another bumper year in sport, let’s look back at some of the sporting highlights of 2012.

Here are my top 10:

1. IT lasted five hours and 53 minutes and finished well after midnight with both players on the brink of exhaustion. The five-set epic between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final — the longest Grand Slam final in history — was perhaps the greatest tennis match ever played. It followed their classic confrontation in the 2011 US Open final. For Djokovic, it was back-to-back titles at Melbourne Park, while Nadal bounced back to win his seventh French Open title later in the year.

2. EUROPE’S victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup — the first since the passing of Spanish star Seve Ballesteros, a former player and captain of Europe — was nothing short of sensational. Entering the last day at Medinah, near Chicago, the US were seemingly home before the Europeans rallied in spectacular style to win the singles 8-1/2 to 3-1/2 and seal victory 14-1/2 to 13-1/2. Jose Maria Olazabal, a close friend of the late Ballesteros, captained Europe.

3. THE mighty mare Black Caviar made it 22 wins from as many starts after heading overseas and winning the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot. Fans back in Australia stayed up late to watch and suffered a few nervous moments as she slowed before the line to just hold off her European rivals. The Peter Moody-trained six-year-old marvel may have only won by a narrow margin — it was later revealed she was suffering from an injury — but her victory was just as exhilarating as her five wins in Melbourne and Adelaide during the year, which included four at Group 1 level. She has now won $6,771,050 in prizemoney.

4. HE may not have reached the heights of Beijing 2008 — where he won the 100m and 200m finals before tasting success in the 4x100m relay as a member of the Jamaican team, breaking the world record on each occasion — but Usain Bolt was victorious in all three events at the London Olympics. He may not have lowered the world record marks he set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin for the 100m and 200m, but he helped Jamaica break the world record in the 4x100m relay. Bolt became the first athlete in Olympic history to defend the 100m and 200m titles, as well as win back-to-back 4x100m relays.

5. THE whole world marvelled at the feats of Lance Armstrong as he enjoyed success in the Tour de France year after year. To bounce back after life-threatening cancer to dominate world cycling was one of the best sporting stories imaginable, but doping allegations continued to haunt the American. And it all came crashing down around him in when he decided not to fight doping charges brought against him by the US Anti-Doping Agency this year. Armstrong was exposed as the architect behind “the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping program that sport has ever seen” after damning evidence from 26 witnesses, including 11 cyclists who rode alongside the American at the US Postal Services team. Although, to this day, he hasn’t admitted to drug use, Armstrong was ultimately banned for life by the US Anti-Doping Agency. A mind-blowing fall from grace.

6. IT was in 2010 when the Melbourne Storm incurred the wraith of the NRL after they were found guilty of salary cap breaches. Not only were they denied the chance of playing games for premiership points, but they were also fined $1.6 million and stripped of the premierships they won in 2007 and 2009. When you also consider they always lose key players on an annual basis – most notably, Greg Inglis — the fact that the Craig Bellamy-coached outfit was able to win the 2012 premiership was stunning.

7. SEBASTIAN Vettel became the youngest ever driver to finish second in the race for the Formula One championship when he joined Red Bull in 2009. After winning the title in 2010 and 2011, the 25-year-old German sealed the championship in 2012 to become the youngest triple champion in history. Vettel’s other records include being the youngest driver to have taken part in an official practice session of a Grand Prix; to score championship points; to lead a race; to secure pole position; and to win a race.

8. UNTIL 2006, neither NSW or Queensland had won four straight series in State of Origin. The rugby league Origin concept started in 1980 before becoming a three-match series in 1982. Six years ago, Queensland won the series for a fourth time. The fact they have now made it seven in a row borders on the extraordinary. With the likes of Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith, Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles on deck, the Maroons will once again take some stopping in 2013.

9. THE last five minutes of the final day of the English Premier League season was an emotional rollercoaster. Manchester City and Manchester United were locked in equal first place with City holding the advantage on goal difference. All games in the final round were played simultaneously and United looked set to be crowned champions after winning 1-0 at Sunderland. That was before Sergio Aguero scored in the 94th minute to secure City a 3-2 home win over QPR and the club’s first title since 1968.

10. THE Czech Republic created history when it became the first country to win the Hopman Cup, Fed Cup and Davis Cup in the same year. The Czechs toppled France in the Hopman Cup in Perth after winning the original tournament in 1989, before downing Serbia in the 50th edition of Fed Cup and Spain in the 100th edition of Davis Cup in Prague.

 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES HIGHLIGHT:

HARD to split the Jamaican men’s and United States women’s 4x100m relay teams after both eclipsed the world record. The Jamaican team clocked 36.84 seconds to break the previous record of 37.04 they in fact set at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. The US outfit posted 40.82 seconds to erase the mark of 41.37 set by East Germany at a World Cup meeting in Canberra in 1985. Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Michael Frater and Nesta Carter formed the Jamaican team, while Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter represented the US. Australia’s best performed athlete at the Games? We’ll go Anna Meares.

— David White

South Africa’s cricketers have proved once and for all that they not only have ticker, but deserve the mantle as the world’s No.1 side. To overcome adversity in two straight Tests is a credit to the Proteas and, just like JP Duminy four years ago, Francois du Plessis has come from the clouds to leave an ever-lasting impression.

At the end of the first Test at the Gabba, it was widely considered that Australia had the psychological edge as they headed for Adelaide. But full credit to South Africa for the way they rallied following the horrific injury to Duminy after stumps on Day 1 in Brisbane.

Duminy was a star when the South Africans claimed their first Test series victory on Australian soil four years ago and we’ll never know how he would have performed on this occasion batting at No.6. In contrast, Mike Hussey batted at No.6 for Australia and he ended up making triple figures. How would the Aussies have fared had it been Hussey who came to grief in Brisbane? The South Africans perhaps benefitted from the rain, but it was hard not to admire their fighting qualities.

With not a single minute lost to inclement weather during the second Test, Adelaide once again produced an exciting finish. What other sport can generate such extraordinary excitement in a contest that ends in a draw?

Considering how well Jacques Kallis bowled at the start of the game – most notably, the delivery that knocked Ricky Ponting over — it came as no surprise that Australia piled on the runs after his hamstring went. Had it not been for Morne Morkel, Australia could have easily made 600 and Michael Clarke could have posted 300 for the second time this year as Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt and Imran Tahir just couldn’t get it together. And that was, of course, after Vernon Philander, whose strike rate is among the best of any pace bowler playing the game today, had pulled out on the morning of the match.

The Aussie bowlers did well to restrict the tourists to under 400, but after the efforts of Graeme Smith (122), debutante Francois du Plessis (78), a gallant Kallis (58) batting at No.9, and Alviro Petersen (54), fellow batsmen Hamish Amla, AB de Villiers and Jacques Rudolph only have themselves to blame when James Pattinson succumbed to injury.

Both teams were missing a key bowler, but after batting a second time the Australians were clearly in the box seat and victory appeared inevitable as South Africa had to negotiate four sessions. Scoring 430 for the win was a daunting task and after the Proteas slumped to 4-77 at the end of the fourth day, the home side had every reason to feel confident.

However, turn the clock back four years ago and you’ll recall the South Africans pulling off a miraculous win in Perth when they stunned Australia by scoring 4-414 in its second innings to take a 1-0 lead in a series they would eventually win 2-1.

Losing Pattinson hurt Australia, no doubt, but to see the courageous Peter Siddle bowl himself to the point of exhaustion begged the question: Why wasn’t Ben Hilfenhaus, seemingly as fresh as a daisy as the match drew to a close, called upon to bowl? Renowned for his swing bowling exploits with the new ball, surely he could have made the old ball talk with some form of reverse swing.

Then again, since McGrath and Warne called it a day, Australian captains have displayed an element of desperation, perhaps panic even, when seemingly certain victory starts slipping from their grasp. It was there for all to see in Adelaide.

Australia may have had the psychological edge heading to Adelaide, but surely it’s South Africa who have that advantage heading to Perth.

South Africa look set to replace Tahir with Philander, while Kallis may play as a batsman, and surely Steyn is due for a big game. The Australian line-up is anybody’s guess, but the good news is that Shane Watson will return. However, will they risk resting Siddle and Hilfenhaus for John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood for such a crucial match?

The fact that Hilfenhaus didn’t bowl when the game was on the line in Adelaide doesn’t augur well for his prospects in Perth and last year spinner Nathan Lyon was rested for the WACA Test match against India. Australia’s pace attack could be Siddle, white ball specialist Starc, the unreliable Johnson and the untried Hastings.

The last time Australia and South Africa featured in back-to-back draws was in 1921, but after the Brisbane and Adelaide Tests anything is possible in Perth. One thing is for certain. Test cricket is not only alive and well, but as unpredictable as ever.

 — David White

The AFL, one of the best sporting competitions in the world, rarely gets it wrong.

A reluctance to stage at least one State of Origin game is perhaps a blight.

They don’t play games on Good Friday, either. And how hard would it be to arrange a pre-season match between the All Australian team from the previous year and an Aboriginal All Stars team?

Then again, apart from the new tribunal (judicial) system they copied, the AFL makes a habit of not following in the footsteps of the NRL.

Unfortunately, the AFL got it 100 per cent wrong by recruiting Israel Folau to be the face of the GWS Giants. Just like Manfred Moore and Tony D’Arcy, who didn’t have a clue when it came to rugby league, Folau just couldn’t adjust to the mechanics of Aussie Rules.

In the end, it was embarrassing.

Playing AFL wasn’t a challenge for Folau. He went for the money – it’s as simple as that.

Karmichael Hunt is making an impression for the Gold Coast Suns, but he, too, went for the money as his “brand” as a rugby league player was well and truly on the wane.

You disagree? Are you confident that Hunt would be playing for Queensland and Australia if he was still the Brisbane Broncos fullback?

Surely the AFL could have spent that money they forked out on Folau on a marquee player, who could have made an impact as a forward, defender, midfielder, on-baller or ruckman.

It may have guaranteed one, two or three extra wins in 2012.

And why spend so much money on one player when the Giants could have recruited up to four or five players with an Aussie Rules background. West Coast, Brisbane Bears, Adelaide, Fremantle and Port Adelaide were competitive when they debuted because they boasted players with VFL, AFL, SANFL and WAFL experience. They didn’t start out with a host of kids like the Suns and Giants.

To put things into perspective, the Suns or Giants wouldn’t have got near the teams that took the field for the Eagles, Bears, Dockers and Power for the first time.

Folau made a spectacular impact for the Melbourne Storm as a winger and before you knew it he was playing for Queensland and Australia.

He seems a nice bloke young Folau, but you’ve got to wonder if he is taking us for a ride. He quit the Storm to join the Brisbane Broncos to be closer to family. That’s fair enough. Then, bingo, he not only packs his bags for Sydney, but he ends up changing codes.

Before announcing his exit from the Giants, there had been speculation that Folau was eyeing a move back to the NRL. Parramatta has been mentioned in despatches for a while, especially as his brother plays for the Eels and he has a friendship with Jarryd Hayne.

When Ricky Stuart was appointed as Eels coach it was suggested that he would attract big names to the club.

Securing Folau would be a major coup.

It has been reported that before Folau’s press conference, where he parted ways with the Giants, he had already met with Stuart. Interestingly, former Manly winger Will Hopate, who like Folau is a Mormon, is set to play for Parramatta in 2014 once he completes a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Folau said on Thursday that he hadn’t had any dealings with a NRL club.

But Izzy wouldn’t have quit the Giants unless he had stitched up a deal for 2013.

The good news for the Giants is that now Folau has gone they have enough money in their kitty to recruit a player like Kurt Tippett.

— David White

Can the Wallabies prevent the All Blacks from making it 17 straight wins? The Wallabies stunned the All Blacks 25-20 in Brisbane last year before NZ turned the tables with a 20-6 win over the Aussies in a World Cup semi-final in Auckland.

With the All Blacks having already posted 27-19 (Sydney) and 22-0 (Wellington) wins over their trans-Tasman rivals in the Rugby Championship, it will border on the unbelievable if the world champions stumble at Suncorp Stadium for a second straight year. The All Blacks are just about at full strength and never looked like losing a game during the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies, who are missing up to 10 starters because of injury, edged the Springboks in Perth before posting two wins against the Pumas. The Wallabies have won 17 of their past 20 games at Suncorp Stadium, but under the tutelage of coach Deans they are 3-14 against the All Blacks.

The fact that Sharpe is preparing for his final game on home soil when he leads the Wallabies into battle should motivate the home side, but the All Blacks are primed for a big performance with Mealamu lining up for his 100th Test and coach Hansen hoping to end  a sad week on a positive note following the passing of his father.

In recent years, the Kangaroos have had the wood on the Kiwis in rugby league Tests as much as the All Blacks have had the measure of the Wallabies. The Kiwis and Wallabies have never waved the white flag; however, they currently lack that special something and  seem to end up as the bridesmaid on most occasions.

The Wallabies ($5.50) are clearly the underdogs, but if all falls into place the margin of defeat may be restricted to 1-12 points. However, it won’t take much for the All Blacks ($1.15), who rival basketball’s US Dream Team as arguably the best sporting outfit in the world, to win by 13 plus if they bring their A game to the table.

Even at full strength, the Wallabies would have had their hands full containing the juggernaut from the Shaky Isles.

The 2012 rugby league season finally comes to an end when the Kangaroos ($1.18) and Kiwis ($5.10) square off in a Test match in Townsville. It will be the second meeting of the year for the trans-Tasman rivals following the 20-12 win posted by the Kangaroos in April’s Anzac Test in Auckland.

For the first time since entering the big time in 1988, the Broncos won’t have a player in the Kangaroos line-up. That is surprising, although injured trio Thaiday, Hodges and Yow Yeh would have presumably been automatic selection, but what would be even more amazing is if the Kiwis prevailed on Saturday night.

Both teams have their injury concerns and once again the Kiwis are missing their English-based stars, but on paper the Kangaroos seemingly have far too many weapons in attack. Tamou, Scott and Myles will pound the football with monotonous regularity, Smith, Bird and Gallen will wreak havoc in the ruck, Thurston and Cronk will keep their opponents guessing, and on top of that Slater, Inglis, Boyd and the Morris twins have the size and speed to worry the Kiwis’ defence out wide.

All four members of the Kangaroos bench also bring a touch of class to the table. The Kiwis boasts plenty of size and it’s hard to see Mannering, Bromwich, Pritchard, the feisty Luke, and debutants Kasiano and Proctor taking a backward step. The Kiwis bench of Matulino, Eastwood, Blair and Taylor provides an element of variety.

For the visitors to have any chance it’s imperative their backline delivers in both attack and defence. Apart from Foran, Perrett and perhaps Inu, the rest of the outside men may find it tough going. Yes, even Marshall. The NZ captain has had an ordinary season and it’s hard to see him containing Thurston or playing a pivotal role in an unlikely Kiwis victory.

Hoffman, Beale and Whare can make an impact, so long as the Kiwis gell as one unit because none of those players is likely to produce an individual match-winning performance. The Kiwis have shocked the Kangaroos in the past on Australian soil when labelled as a clear underdog, but on this occasion you can back the home side to win by a 13 plus margin ($1.80) with confidence.  For a bit of value, perhaps you should take the line as the Kangaroos are giving 15.5 start at $2.05.

Graham (Cowboys) and Tolman (Bulldogs) were unlucky not to crack the Kangaroos team ahead of Boyd and Williams, and did Farah deserve his spot in the team ahead of Rabbitohs recruit and former Broncos player Te’o? Meanwhile, the Kiwis were happy to overlook Warera-Hargraves (Roosters), McKendry (Panthers) and Johnson (Warriors).

Don’t worry all you New Zealand supporters. The Kangaroos may get the Kiwis this weekend, but next weekend the All Blacks can turn the tables when they meet the Wallabies in Brisbane.

It was a wonderful start to the A-League last weekend with the final result in all five games baffling just about every punter across the nation. With injuries affecting a number of clubs already, and with players missing because of World Cup duty for either the Socceroos or All Whites, it might be wise to stick with the home teams in Round 2. The bookies believe all five home teams will dominate this weekend, and it’s hard to argue, but how can you be certain following an unpredictable Round 1?

One thing is for certain: the Roar-Victory, especially, Mariners-Glory and Sydney-Jets games should attract big crowds and a large television audience.

Rugby C’ship – Week 6

What a difference 12 months makes. Last year, the Sea Eagles (NRL) and Cats (AFL) were going to take a power of stopping in the grand finals, but in 2012 both games can go either way. No matter who you settle on this weekend you would have every right to feel that your selection will salute. That’s great news because we could end up witnessing cliffhangers on Saturday and Sunday. However, the weather could have an important bearing on both games, so if the it does turn ugly at the MCG in the next 24 hours and the customary showers arrive at ANZ Stadium in the next 48 hours then you are encouraged to check the markets if you plan to have a bet. Meanwhile, the Wallabies face a tough task to overcome the Springboks in Pretoria and the All Blacks cannot afford to take the Pumas lightly in La Plata. 

 NRL — Grand Final

 1-BULLDOGS v 2-STORM: Hasler will become the first man in rugby league to coach two different sides to premierships in successive seasons if the Bulldogs beat the Storm. Having won 14 of the last 15 matches, their powerful forward pack and, in particular, fullback Barba have been very hard to stop. However, a Melbourne side containing three of the finest players in the game in Slater, Smith and Cronk stands in their way. After a mid-season blip that saw the Storm lose five successive games, they are back on track and easily disposed of the Sea Eagles last week. They also have history on their side and a precedent, with the Broncos losing five straight in 2006 and going on to win the grand final. There’s little to choose between these sides and this has the potential to be one of the closest grand finals for years. Both teams are great in defence and have high-octane attacks. The Storm possess the greater experience, with eight players having played in a grand final, compared to just four for the Bulldogs. In Smith, Cronk and Slater, they also have three seasoned representative players, who, unlike most of their Queensland teammates, have excelled since the Origin period. The Bulldogs were too good for the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs during the finals, but significantly they were trailing in both games and were by no means “good things” before Lyon (Sea Eagles) and Reynolds (Rabbitohs) succumbed to injury. In contrast, the Storm creamed the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles, although it must be said that up to half a dozen Sea Eagles were busted entering the preliminary final. The Bulldogs have been remarkably consistent all year and are playing at home, but the Storm have seemingly been on a mission all year after a shocking preliminary final loss to the Warriors last year and they have won 10 of their past 12 games the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs produced just about the perfect game when they rolled the Storm 20-4 in Mackay in Round 16, but Slater was missing from the Storm line-up that day. The Storm got the Bulldogs 12-6 in Melbourne in Round 7. Rival fullbacks Barba and Slater are on fire and it would come as a major surprise if they don’t have an impact in the game. Tip: STORM.

  AFL – Grand Final

  1-HAWKS v 3-SWANS: Just like the NRL grand final, it’s the first time the Hawks and Swans have clashed in a grand final. The Hawks, like the Bulldogs are playing at “home” and are starting as slight favourites, but must improve from their below-par preliminary final win over the Crows. In particular, their goalkicking was woeful and the Swans will make them pay if they do that again. The return of Hodge, who missed the preliminary final through illness, will help the Hawks and is the only change for either side. The Swans can take a lot of encouragement from their two matches against the Hawks this season – a thumping second half for a 37 point win in Round 5 in Launceston and then a strong start in Round 22, which led to a tight seven point loss at the SCG. One of the highlights will be the Hawks’ free-scoring attack against the Swans’ miserly defence. The Hawks should be better for their preliminary final scare and on paper, they are the better side. But the Swans are tough and they will make them earn everything. The Hawks have won five of the past seven games between the clubs and have won 20 of the past 28 games at the MCG. The Swans have won only one of their past 15 games at the MCG, but the venue doesn’t pose a problem on grand final day following a four point win in 2005 and a one point loss in 2006 against the Eagles. The Swans should keep it close on the scoreboard, but history suggests that they must remain focussed after qurater time as the Hawks have won 23 of 24 second quarters in 2012. There’s not a hair’s breadth between the Hawks forwards and Swans backs, so the game could be decided in other areas around the field. The Swans perhaps have an edge in the ruck, while the Hawks have the better midfield. Therefore, the Hawks’ defence and Swans’ attack may have an important bearing on the final result. It will be interesting to see if the Hawks will miss defender Guerra as much as the Swans will miss goal-sneak McGlynn. The predicted wet weather may give the Swans the edge, but the return of Hodge is massive for the Hawks. Tip: HAWKS.

Rugby Championship – Week 5

  3-SPRINGBOKS v 2-WALLABIES: When you stop to analyse the current Wallabies, it’s quite an achievement that they have managed to win 10 of their last 14 games in the past year. Coach Deans is under great pressure — both for results against New Zealand and performances.  However, he claims the team’s frustrating habit of kicking away the ball isn’t something they’ve been coached. Cooper’s recent criticisms of both the style of play and the “toxic environment” behind the scenes, will have gone down as well as the gastro bug that has hit the side. He may have signed with the Reds for another three years but is still in negotiation with the ARU and his timing is interesting. Missing this tough tour through injury, he knows that if Deans were to be axed then his Reds boss McKenzie could take the job, which would suit Cooper better. Absent flyhalves seem to be the talking point of this match with Steyn dropping out of the Springbok squad completely and the exciting Goosen given a start. The Springboks have only won three of their previous 14 games in this competition and have tasted defeat in five consecutive games (including two home matches) against the Wallabies. However, the Springboks have yet to lose to the Wallabies in Pretoria and the fact that the Wallabies have named the unpredictable Beale at 10 only enhances the prospects of the home team. The Wallabies were incredibly lucky to get the Pumas on the Gold Coast and the Springboks were far from disgraced against the All Blacks in Dunedin. Tip: SPRINGBOKS.

  4-PUMAS v 1-ALL BLACKS: It’s hard not to admire the Pumas. They’ve yet to win a game in their debut appearance against the best teams the southern hemisphere has to offer, but how competitive have they been. The world champions will seal the Rugby Championship with victory in La Plata this weekend, but the fact that All Blacks coach Hansen is criticising the Pumas for thwarting his team has to be seen as a plus point for the newcomers. It’s far better to be riling the All Blacks than receiving sympathetic praise. The All Blacks are comfortably the top side and have won their last 14 games. Despite committing a high number of turnovers per game, they have won 12 of those matches by more than a converted try. There is little sense of satisfaction though. Dominance hasn’t been converted into tries and the physicality of blindside flanker Kaino and lock Thorn has been missed up front — there have also been no tries scored by the forwards this tournament. Hooker Mealamu has rated the pack’s efforts as “adequate” and they are under no illusions that there has to be an improvement on the Pumas’ home patch. After a nervy, error-strewn first game, the Pumas have kicked on and any fears about them just making up the numbers have quickly been dispelled. Led heroically by Lobbe, they have a pack that can compete with the best but they are lacking that ability to kill a team off in the second half. In the last three games they led against the Springboks and Wallabies and were just one point in arrears against the All Blacks at halftime. You have to go back to June 1977 for the last time the Pumas went six games without a win and December 2005 for three homes games without victory. Even with Carter returning the All Blacks will have to be at their best as the Pumas should have downed the visiting Springboks in Round 1 in a game that ended in a draw. Tip: ALL BLACKS.

The good news is that the top four teams in the NRL and AFL will contest the preliminary finals. The bad news is that, unlike the AFL, Teams 1 and 2 can meet in the NRL grand final. Teams 1 and 2 in the AFL meet in a preliminary final.

It’s clear, following the semi-final results in both codes, that the best teams finished in the top four. The Cowboys, Raiders, Dockers and Eagles had plenty of supporters, but were no match for the Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Crows and Magpies — their respective opponents last weekend — in the second half. Some may say the video referees did the Sea Eagles a favour, but in the wash-up the Cowboys appeared to be playing second fiddle throughout.

The Crows are the only team in 2012 to lose a home final in either code, so the odds certainly favour the home teams this weekend. But, as the Storm will attest to following their stunning preliminary final loss to the visiting Warriors 12 months ago, nothing can be taken for granted.

NRL – Preliminary Finals (Week 3)

2-STORM v 4-SEA EAGLES: The ineptitude of video referees overshadowed an excellent display by Manly in their 22-12 win over the Cowboys last Friday to set up this clash with their bitter rivals. There isn’t too much love lost between these sides, who inflicted grand final defeats on one another in 2007 (Storm 34-8) and 2008 (Sea Eagles 40-0). The Sea Eagles are still filthy that their loss came at the hands of a Storm side that were found to be cheating the salary cap, and tensions boiled over in a brawl during the infamous Battle of Brookvale last year. Both sides have been at pains to put that incident behind them, but another full-blooded encounter is expected at AAMI Park. The Storm were missing up to six players who would automatically be named in Craig Bellamy’s 17 when they crunched the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago, so they should be a lot stronger despite missing Quinn and Ryles. The return of Matai is a bonus for the Sea Eagles and, despite their win over the Cowboys last  weekend, have the premiers “chewed up” all their luck? Slater was missing and Smith featured at five-eighth when the Storm toppled the Sea Eagles 26-22 at Brookvale in Round 15, which has got to be encouraging for the Victorian-based outfit. The Storm are 10 from 10 in 2012 when Smith, Slater and Cronk have played, but it has been 37 years since the Sea Eagles have lost a preliminary final. To top things off, the Storm have won 40 of their past 50 games at home. The Storm lost to the Warriors in the corresponding game last year and are desperate to make amends, but the Sea Eagles are a genuine chance as facing the top teams on the road hasn’t necessarily been a problem in 2012. The kicking game of Cronk and Cherry-Evans will play a crucial in the final outcome and, speaking of the Sea Eagles halfback, there has to be doubts surrounding his fitness. Storm centre Chambers and Sea Eagles prop King are in the same boat. Tip: STORM.

1-BULLDOGS v 3-RABBITOHS: The Bulldogs have done everything they can to avoid the spotlight this week, getting injured and out of favour players to front the media — and the lack of headlines will delight coach Des Hasler. He won two grand finals with the Sea Eagles by “flying under the radar”. No-one will be more be pleased to see the spotlight on the Rabbitohs’ quest for a first grand final appearance in 41 years instead of him becoming the first coach to win successive grand finals with two different clubs. The Rabbitohs did enough to comfortably see off the Raiders last weekend, but will need to step up their game if they are to deny a Bulldogs side that have won 14 of their past 15 games. A crowd of over 70,000 is expected at ANZ Stadium in what is the Rabbitohs’ biggest game in over four decades. They froze in Melbourne two weeks ago, 24 hours after the Bulldogs flexed their muscles in a brutal win over the Sea Eagles. Both teams have clashed on two occasions this season at ANZ Stadium with the Rabbitohs posting an unexpected 20-10 win on Good Friday — a game that perhaps gave a clear indication that the red and greens were the real deal in 2012. In the second clash, one of the better Saturday night games, the Bulldogs won 23-18, but it’s a game the Rabbitohs should have won. Farrell looked set to score a try in the corner before putting a foot into touch following a desperate Barba tackle. Using that form as a guide, the Rabbitohs have got to be a chance, so the Bulldogs must be at their best. Yes, the Bulldogs posted win after win as the premiership rounds drew to a climax, but they were clobbered by the Raiders in Canberra before downing the Roosters, who were more interested in getting their coach sacked. The Bulldogs then got the cash in the qualifying final, but it may have been a different story had the Sea Eagles not lost Lyon to injury. The loss of King is a blow for the Rabbitohs because when it comes to comparing the three-quarter lines the Bulldogs clearly have the edge. If the Rabbitohs pack clicks they’re a chance, but the head tells you it’s the Bulldogs. Tip: BULLDOGS.

AFL – Preliminary Finals (Week 3)

3-SWANS v 4-MAGPIES: The Swans have plenty going for them — the week off, a much smoother lead-up and minimal injury problems. But the Magpies have the form. The Magpies have won their past 11 games against the Swans, the league’s longest current head-to-head streak. The Magpies also pushed the Hawks for three quarters in their qualifying final and then showed outstanding resilience to beat the Eagles in last week’s semi-final. It’s been a tough fortnight for the Pies as they deal with the death of John McCarthy. They’re also coming off a six-day break and Didak (calf) is out of the team. Dawes is also nursing a knee injury from the semi-final. The Swans’ Bolton plays his 300th game and his fearless attack on the ball epitomises how the Swans will approach this match. The Swans’ co-captain Goodes broke the qualifying final open against the Crows a fortnight ago and kicked three goals. If he fires like that again, the Swans will be in the box seat. Considering how well  the Crows played against the Dockers last weekend, you’ve got to treat the Swan’s win in Week 1 of the finals with due respect. The Magpies looked shot against the Eagles at halftime before rallying in the second half and they have registered plenty of wins at ANZ Stadium. And the Magpies have won three of its past interstate finals. However, the Swans would have won that Round 20 clash — a game the Pies won by eight-points — had they kicked a lot straighter. To finish with 16 behinds compared to the six the Magpies posted killed the Swans. The Swans have won five of their past seven games at ANZ Stadium — losing twice to the Magpies. The return of Grundy is huge for the Swans, while the Pies will be sweating on the fitness of Dawes. The battle between the Reid and Shaw brothers will only add to the theatre. It should be a truly epic contest. Tip: SWANS.

1-HAWKS v 2-CROWS: The Hawks roll into this game with a full head of steam. The minor premiers outlasted the Swans, Eagles and Magpies over the last month in tough clashes that emphasised their premiership favouritism. Ominously, Franklin has been solid without really firing and he has declared he’s after a solid four-quarter performance. The Hawks have no glaring weaknesses, with their defence evolving into a solid unit this season. There’s also a lot to like about the Crows, but they will need everything to go their way — especially given the Hawks have had the week’s break. It just looks like too tough an assignment for the Crows. Walker was the difference in the semi-final win over the Dockers. But he needs more support from fellow key forward Tippett, who has only kicked two goals in the last three games amid speculation he will head to one of the Queensland clubs next season. The return of Lewis and Young is huge for the Hawks, while the loss of ruckman Shaw and  likely absence of Petrenko only adds to the Crows’ woes. The Hawks pasted the Crows by 56 points when they met in Round 3 at the MCG, but if the Crows can continue from where they left of last weekend against the Dockers then anything is possible. No one expected the Blues to overcome the Bombers in a 1999 preliminary final, but look what happened. The Hawks’ only finals loss to an interstate club in Victoria was at the hands of the Crows in 1993. The Crows have won just one of their past seven games at the MCG. The Hawks rolled the Crows by three-points in a spectacular elimination final at Etihad Stadium in 2007 when Franklin kicked an amazing goal, but the general consensus is that the Crows will be lucky to get within five-goals on this occasion. Tip: HAWKS.

 NRL Finals (Week 1)

 AFL Final (Week 1)

 Rugby Championship (Week 3)

 It’s the start of the NFL season with the New York Giants hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday morning (Australian time). Should be a good game but, as defending Super Bowl champions, the Giants will take a power of stopping at home against their NFC East rivals.

 We’ve made some early predictions for the weekend games in Week 1 of the 2012-13 season, but that could change come Sunday. Therefore, we encourage you to take a final look at our tips by 6pm (AEST) on Sunday if you’re in a NFL tipping competition or if you’re considering a bet.

 The opening round of games in a NFL season usually springs plenty of surprises and, although we back our final selections, we’ll be happy if we end up with 10 winners.

 Don’t forget to take a final look at our selections on Sunday.