Fantasy Rugby: Round 1
- RugbyInsideLine
- Sep 6, 2016
- 4 min read
Week 1: Everyone seemed to be getting to grip with this fantastic new Fantasy Rugby game. There was uncertainty whether to play it safe with big name players who most people would pick, or whether I should go for the risk of single digit percentage owned players and hope to make a break for it.
Strategy:
My initial thought was to get as many kickers into my squad as I possibly could. Laidlaw at scrum half was an easy pick, and when I saw Harry Mallinder (listed as a centre) and Mike Delany (listed as an outside back) the choice to select them into team was also easy. I then had to decide which fly half to choose... For me it was between Lozowski, Cipriani and Evans. Cipriani was named with Gopperth at 12, so uncertainty over who would kick ruled him out (right choice in the end) and Lozowski had just moved to Saracens so would there be first game wobbles? On this basis I went for Evans who would be facing newly promoted Bristol on the massive pitch at Twickenham. The best pick of the round at fly half was Lozowski in the end who managed to bag a try and a dominant performance against Worcester. Quins however were unable to dominate Bristol and only narrowly won 21-19...
In the front row I wanted mobile props and hookers who were guaranteed to break through the gainline and also make a few tackles. Jamie George seemed a good option at hooker against a Worcester squad in disarray from injuries and the loss of Dean Ryan. Jamie did indeed bag a try which backed up this choice of selection. For the props I went for Kyle Sinckler and Soane Tonga'uiha, Kyle is known for his big runs across the gainline and recently receiving an England call up, he seemed liked a safe bet. However Soane was only picked by 8% of people so he may have seemed a bit of a gamble. I picked him on the basis of his impressive carrying ability which he demonstrated in his illustrious career at Northampton Saints.
In the second row I had to pick Maro Itoje who was picked by 66% of the players. I could not be left behind if he had a good game (which he usually does anyway!). My other pick was only selected by 8%, and this is ex-Australian captain James Horwill. Horwill was facing Bristol who I was expecting to make a few mistakes at the scrum and lineout which this experienced second row could seize upon. Needless to say he was the second highest scoring lock and was probably my signing of the week.
In the backrow I went for "poweeeeeerrrr" - Jeremy Clarkson, by selecting three massive numbers 8s. Thomas Waldrom has been the top try scorer for two consecutive seasons and seemed an easy pick and this weekend he would be facing England's next big thing at number 8; Nathan Hughes. In a true game of clash of the titans, I thought they would bring out the best in each other. My last pick is new this year to the Premiership; Louis Picamoles, who has recently joined Northampton from Toulouse. Big things are expected from this man this season, and he was Saints' star performer on his debut. Waldrom managed to bag himself a try which shows a repeat of his past successes. These three will be in my squad for the majority of my season as I can see them making a lot of metres and bagging a whole load of tries. Toby Faletau could have been an easy choice for many (and indeed he was on my bench), however unfortunately the big number 8 from Wales went off early in his game vs Saints and could be out for a while...
In the midfield alongside Mallinder, I went big name Manu Tuilagi, the return of the prodigal son... After two years out from injury I was expecting a determined performance from him, and was left in no doubt that I made a good call after he scored in the first 5 minutes! However it was obvious his absence caused frailties in his game and I may look to transfer him for Matt Scott who had a strong game with two tries against Leicester last weekend on his debut.
For the rest of the backline I went for the names but these names have also put in significant performances over the years. Wade and Ashton both seemed likely easy decisions, neither seem likely for England call ups, which saved transfers at a later date and both are known for their scoring ability and the potential to break through defensive lines. Telusa Veainu was a tempting buy however he would have replaced Ashton who was up against a weaker opposition of Worcester rather than Gloucester.
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