Western Force forwards coach Nick Stiles says punters will be foolish if they put their money on the Perth-based franchise to finish last this Super Rugby season.
The Force have been installed favourites by at least two Australian bookmakers to win the wooden spoon in 2012.
The Brumbies, Lions and Cheetahs are also tipped to struggle.
But it is the Force, who lost star Wallaby James O’Connor and first-choice five-eighth Willie Ripia over the off-season, that many expect will prop up the table.
The Force’s pre-season form, in which they copped hidings at the hands of the Brumbies and Reds, certainly haven’t changed wider opinions.
But Stiles said betting on the Force to finish last would be as good as flushing money down the toilet.
“You’d be wasting your money I reckon,” Stiles said on Monday.
“So keep your hard earned in your pocket or put us to finish a bit higher than that.”
Former Brumbies prop Salesi Ma’afu, who switched to the Force over the summer, was also surprised how quickly everyone was writing off the Force.
“It makes me feel good if all those people are going to put their money on it and lose their money,” Ma’afu said.
“I think we’ve got a good team.”
Ma’afu will temporarily put friendships on hold on Friday night when the Force take on the Brumbies in Canberra.
The 28-year-old notched 52 games at the Brumbies, but felt the time was right to switch to the Force.
“I’d been there six years and things seem to get pretty dull,” said Ma’afu, who has tallied 14 Test caps since making his Wallabies debut in 2010.
“That’s the way life is. I needed a change. I’m happier now with my rugby and my life and enjoying it.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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