The first Aus vs SA match coming up. Force off a bye and the Sharks in great shape after beating the Blues. One battle and maybe deciding will be the Lampie vs OConnor one. The Force dont had much success against the Sharks in the past and myself cant see this happening if the Sharks keep up their current form. They have the best pack in the competition with Battleship leading from the front and a excellent basic structure where they play from with an excellent back three to launch attacks. Midfield probably their only crack but then Oupa have been excellent and Bosman/GJ Pottas good additions for them.
Force v Sharks - big win to the home team in each of first two years, Force unlucky to lose narrowly in Durban in 08 with a Hodgo try denied at the end, shithouse in pink with a finals berth on the line at Subi in 09 and another narrow loss in Durban last year. Not that bad a record for a new franchise against an SA powerhouse.
O'Connor v Lambie will be intriguing but, as you suggest, the packs may have more of a say. The Sharks look awesome in the tight but most commentators, especially on G&GR, thought the Reds pack would push the Force forwards around like schoolboys. Didn't happen, Force were dominant. Most media will run with the number 10 match-ups, bust just as important could be Fairbrother v Beast. An unchanged Force 22 to win by 5.