PERTH - Western Force coach John Mitchell has heaped the pressure on bitter rivals the ACT Brumbies, claiming the Canberra-based franchise should win the Super 14 title this season given the talent they boast.
The Force, who lost a host of stars including Matt Giteau (Brumbies) and Drew Mitchell (NSW)at the end of last season, have been rated a $67 outsider by TAB Sportsbet to claim the title in 2010.
In contrast, the Brumbies ($5) are second favourites behind the Crusaders ($3.50), while NSW are on the seventh line of betting at $13.
The Brumbies added Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom and star first five-eighths Giteau to last season's squad, giving them a near Test-quality line-up.
Mitchell was eager to deflect away any talk of the Force's prospects this season but was more forthcoming about his rivals.
"It's all hypothetical at this time of year, everyone has a guess," Mitchell said on Wednesday.
"We've clearly got expectations and high expectations as a group but we'll just take one week at a time.
"I think there's more pressure on the likes of the Brumbies and the Waratahs.
"If you look at the Brumbies on paper they should win the competition."
The Force round out their pre-season against the Reds in Perth on Friday night before hosting the Brumbies in round one of the season proper.
Queensland have named a strong line-up for Friday's trial match, with Wallabies' Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia and James Horwill all named in the starting XV.
But Mitchell couldn't care less about Queensland's squad and said he hadn't followed their pre-season campaign, which saw the Reds claim impressive wins over NSW and the Crusaders.
"Not even interested in them," Mitchell said.
"Ultimately all we've been looking at is what we've got to do, that's all that matters.
"Wasting our time and energy focusing on the opposition during trials (is not something we will do).
"Trial scoreboards mean nothing at the end of the day."
The Force lost their opening trial match 54-12 to the Stormers in Cape Town but unveiled a much stronger squad in their 26-0 hammering of the Sharks.
