Started with: $20
Current Balance: $46.40
Correct margin predictions: 12 from 21 - 57%

If there are two lessons to be learned from last weekend’s games, they're as follows:
(i) changes to a winning team can greatly disrupt continuity to the point of failure (see the Blues getting a hiding at home despite a travel-weary Bulls).
(ii) If you don't have a good set of aggressive loosies your team is really going to struggle (see the Highlanders getting walloped by the Cheetahs (though I don't doubt that extra game the Cheetahs played together greatly contributed to their result (likewise the Crusaders))).
In any case, predictions should become easier to make now that rustiness is all but gone and we become familiar with teams strengths and weaknesses. I expect we can push the Formula's margin-winning percentage into the 60's this weekend – let’s see if I’m right.

Hurricanes vs Highlanders

The Highlanders really missed Nonu and Thompson last weekend, and while the latter has moved on, Nonu's knee can't sort itself out soon enough. The Highlanders big names in the tight are going to have to make up for their inadequacies in the loose if they’re going to win this one. I'd also like to see Gear come in off his wing much more to sure up that ugly-looking midfield. The Hurricanes got up over the 7-time champs last weekend but the season is young, the Hurricanes had played an extra game together, and they're not at home this week. The Formula has the HIGHLANDERS BY 12 AND UNDER.

Waratahs vs Cheetahs

Go the Cheetahs! Bloody rock stars innit, how can you not love them? And how good it must be to have Brussow prowling the bench. But they've done more travel this week, which means more disruptions, and they're up against a team that quite simply have to win for the sake of the sport in that part of the world. Expect a better kicking game from the Tahs with Barnes back at 12. The Cheetahs to be met by a wall of blue and ultimately fall short. WARATAHS BY 12 AND UNDER.

Chiefs vs Kings

The Formula has the Chiefs by a bucket-full and then some. I expected Rennie to rest a few of his lads for this one but he's clearly not as naive as Kirwin was last week, and I think he's done the right thing keeping changes to a minimum. At these early stages, continuity is all that matters. Expect those brave Kings to finally find out what Super Rugby is all about. CHIEFS BY 13 AND OVER.

Sharks vs Brumbies

Game of the week. I had no idea who to back for this one until I crunched the numbers, and even then it was right down to the wire. The Formula has the Sharks by a couple of points, largely due to the fact that they’re at home, they’re powerful, they kick well, and the Brumbies have traveled all the way from Canberra. And that’s all the analysis that needs doing. Two good teams, and the team with less travel and home ground advantage to sneak it. SHARKS BY 12 AND UNDER. 

Reds vs Force

The Reds continue their breezy start to the season with what should be a ball scratcher against the Force. Cummins is out for the Force ensuring they absolutely cannot win, but in regards to margins, this is the hardest one to call this week. The Formula has the Reds by 11.7 – allowing only .3 points of leverage. The bookies are giving  the Reds a 14.5 point head start with this one so I’m going to bet that the Reds can’t win by more than that, by for those of you staying true to the Formula, it’s the REDS BY 12 AND UNDER.

Crusaders vs Bulls

Sometimes the Formula surprises me, and this game is one of those times. It has the Crusaders by 13 and over, somehow, which seems strange to me given that there are so many average players sprinkled amidst the Crusaders stars; on top of that, they haven’t won a game and the Bulls haven’t lost! But, well, I’ve just had a look at what the bookies are saying and they agree so what the hell. CRUSADERS BY 13 AND OVER.