tadley

South Sydney Rabbitohs have lost three of their last four, with the absentees being sorely missed. They look naive defensively and, despite some bright patches, seem incapable of playing a solid 80 minutes. Sea Eagles were a tad disappointing last week against the Sharks, but they put in a full 80 minutes' work and didn't look outclassed. I think they beat an under-strength Rabbitohs.

Yarav Premlall obliterated the field in Spain, winning by an astonishing 14 strokes. He hasn't lived up to that performance in his last two starts, but I can't believe it's a one-off. When you play with such authority, surely another win won't be so far away. At 100-1 he looks an interesting bet.

Grant Forrest was in wretched form prior to last year's event but shook that off with the best tee-to-green stats in the field. His putting wasn't great, though, and he finished 13th. He thrives in tough, windy conditions, and his best performances have come at such events. He comes in in better form this season after a solid 12th last time. If his putting is better this year, he should figure.

No More Porter had an OR in the 80s last year but now has a lowly 67. It's barely run a bad race of late, with its last six results being 2, 3, 4, 4, 4 and 6th. It receives plenty of weight from the fancied runners and could easily run into a place.

Bears have lost all four games. They were bowled out for just 74 in their opener but have steadily gotten better and posted 208 last time, though they failed to defend it. I'm convinced the North group is the weakest group, so this is a step down in class for the Bears. Notts' bowling has looked iffy, so I can see the Bears teeing off and getting a very sizeable total.

There's a pattern beginning to develop when North Group sides play sides outside their group. There have been three such matches, with the North side losing all three. Most worrying is that the leaders of the North group, Yorkshire, were battered at home by Gloucester. Admittedly it's a small sample size so far, but it does appear that the North group is significantly weaker. Sussex have lost 3 of their 4 games, but they look a good batting side. If, as I suspect, this is a step down in class, they should win.

With unforgiving rough and wind forecast, being able to drive accurately will be essential this weekend. Gouveia has been striking the ball well, ranking 18th for driving accuracy. He comes into this with a fine second in Austria last time, and if he carries that form forward he should figure this weekend.

Adam Scott has 15 PGA Tour wins to his name, and although the last was in 2020, it's not that his form has been poor lately. He has a couple of top-4 finishes. His approach play is one of the best, being second on tour in strokes gained: approach and top for approaches from over 100 yds. I think he figures this weekend.

Chris Gotterup hasn't played since the PGA Championship, so should be nicely rested for this. He was a solid 10th there, but his chances were ruined with a poor opening round of 72. He is certainly capable of winning, as he already has the Phoenix and Sony Open titles in the bag this year. At 50-1, he looks an interesting bet.

England clearly have the best players, with the two Lukes occupying the top two places in the rankings. It didn't do them any good last year when they were dumped out by Germany 9-4. Netherlands have the world number three and four in the form of Van Veen and Van Gerwen. They make a formidable team and look far better value at 8.00

Clare won in 2024, but last year it didn't go well. Severe injury problems probably took their toll. They look in better shape this time and can certainly mix it with the best.

Lancashire underperformed, finishing 5th despite having a strong squad. They've really impressed with signings over the winter, enrolling quality players at this level, so I see them doing a lot better than 5th.

Warwickshire finished down in 5th last season but were hampered by drawing nine games, the most in the league. They've strengthened their squad and look capable of a better performance this season.

Verstappen kept himself in the title race last season despite clearly not having the best car. That speaks volumes about his skill, which should see him once again go well this season. Despite him slamming the new regulation, it should be to his benefit as he has the skills to master the new designs. The Red Bull has looked very promising in practice, so I rate him as the most likely winner.