The second week of the Super 14 sees greater international games, and the opportunity to see if the Australian challenge is real or not!

Each side should now be more familiar with the new law interpretations, and can start to evolve how they want to play.

Both the Waratahs and Brumbies travel to South Africa, and will test the Stormers and Bulls, whilst the Sharks could have their campaign as good as over.

The rest of the games should favour the more experienced sides and leave the table in a fairly fmailiar position.

Highlanders v Blues – Carisbrook, Dunedin

The Blues started off well last week and then faded, whilst the Highlanders finished fairly strongly. They are always tough to beat in Dunedin, but I’m backing the Blues to win.

There may not be much in this game, but ultimately I think the greater pace and class of the Blues’ backs should see them get home.

Blues by 8.

Reds v Crusaders – Suncorp, Brisbane

Will this Reds side continue to improve and build on last week’s effort? I personally don’t think the Aussies are as good as they think they are, and whilst the Crusaders often struggle with the heat and humidity in Brisbane, I can’t see them losing.

Crusaders by 12.

Sharks v Cheetahs – Kings Park, Durban

If the Sharks lose this game before going on tour, they can kiss their 2010 aspirations away. Sure sides like the Chiefs have come back from losing their first 3 games, however the Sharks have never made the semis after losing their first game of the season.

The Cheetahs may be blessed with the injury to Corne Uys as it gives Lionel Mapoe the opportunity to play outside centre. This guy has gas, and he could be a star.

Whilst both packs were poor last week, the Cheetahs have tended to have the measure of the Sharks in recent times. With a strong forward effort, I think the Cheetahs backs can win this game as the Sharks have greater expectation and more to lose.

The man who could turn it all around for the Sharks is Ruan Pienaar, but he is fast becoming the next Gaffie du Toit in my view but if he doesn’t have the kicking duties to contend with he may just go alright.

I’m not sure, but I’m picking the Cheetahs by 8.

Lions v Chiefs – Ellis Park, Johannesburg

The Lions started poorly last week and are still finding their feet and combinations. At least Dick Muir knows he has to persevere rather than go for the band-aid approach, and he has made 3 changes to his starting line-up which were probably warranted.

The Chiefs were scratchy last week but showed that they know how to win, and they possess game-breakers all over the field.

The one factor favouring the Lions is altitude, and it may catch up with the Chiefs in the final quarter.

The Lions lineout is poor, but the Chiefs are not a side that can exploit that. If the forward battle is fairly even, Carlos Spencer and Earl Rose could shine for the Lions.

This is more my heart than my head, but the Lions by 5.

Hurricanes v Force – Westpac Stadium, Wellington

The Hurricanes have lose Hosea Gear to injury and probably Willie Ripia. The back up players are untested, but should still be enough to overcome a Force side that doesn’t travel particularly well.

Hurricanes by 11.

Bulls v Brumbies – Loftus, Pretoria

The Brumbies are the pick of the Australian sides and heavily rated by their supporters. They have no right to come to Loftus and spoil our party!

Don’t worry the Bulls haven’t lost at Loftus since mid 2008, and have a run of 11 wins at their home fortress.

The Bulls look awesome so far this year, they’re fit and fresh, have adapted well to the new law interpretations, and appear mentally strong. The Brumbies pose a significan challenge, but one that we should be able to overcome. The danger could be Matt Giteau if he plays, and a Brumbies side that has few major weaknesses.

However we have Morne Steyn, and I’m sure he’ll keep the scoreboard ticking over with his boot.

Bulls by 8.

Stormers v Waratahs – Newlands, Cape Town

The Stormers faded badly in the second half last week, whilst the Waratahs showed they can never be discounted.

At home with 40 000+ fanatical supporters, this Stormers side will be eager to please their home crowd. I think they’ll be much better for last week’s effort, whilst it’s not easy for the Waratahs to travel so far.

The Stormers should be able to match the Waratahs pack, and in the backs Jaque Fourie and Bryan Habana should be able to stand out and create space out wide. I’m looking for the Stormers to really step up in this game.

Stormers by 9.