The 2013 season is almost upon us, which means that it’s once again time to sink your teeth into fantasy rugby. With $10,000 on the line it’s worth doing your research, and the good people at G&GR are here to help.
Daryl Johnson took out the whole shebang last year, the third time the winner has come from the G&GR league in the last four years. Here are Daryl’s top tips to dominate fantasy rugby in 2013:
Tip 1. FIXTURES and WILDCARD
Fantasy coaches must think ahead of next week’s game as they plan which players to bring in or remove from their squad. In round 1 only four teams are playing: the Rebels, Reds, Brumbies and Force. The Crusaders do not even play until round 3! Make the necessary adjustments to your squads. Because of the British Lions Tour, rounds 17 and 18 loom as major obstacles for fantasy managers to overcome. Astute use of your wildcard this season is more essential than ever before.
The increased points-scoring opportunities for the much-maligned front row make it crucial that you choose wisely when selecting your props and hooker. Hardworking, mobile and try hungry props such as Ben Alexander $325K, Coenie Oosthuizen $350K or James Slipper $300K are expensive but required for a winning combination. The hooker position is vital for the success of your team. It is no coincidence that Stephen Moore $450K was the top points scorer in Fox Sport Super 15 Fantasy Rugby last season. Many coaches choose their captain from this position.
Tip 3. LATE CHECK of TEAMS
Players become out of favour with coaches, get injured, fall foul of the judiciary or are dropped for a myriad of reasons. If possible and time permitting, check your team late in the week for any changes to your squad. A new tool to assist you in this practice is the reset button located top left of your transfer page. This allows you to change your transfers if there are late changes or you are unhappy with the make up of your squad. You can reset your transfers only once every game week so be aware of this limitation.
Tip 4. THE SOUTHERN KINGS STRATEGY
This team is in its first year of Super Rugby competition and historically new teams receive a few thrashings, especially when they travel. If the Southern Kings are playing the Chiefs in New Zealand, for example, I will ensure I achieve maximum use of my transfers, reserves and captain options to bring Chiefs into my team that round. This strategy can be used for whichever team appears to be the easybeats this season.
Tip 5. WINNING TEAMS
Choose players who are in teams that are going well in the competition, in particular backs. They score more tries, have more attacking statistics and on the whole provide you with more points than struggling teams.
And here are Daryl’s top 3 dos and don’ts:
1. Do try to ensure that your reserves have a realistic chance of playing most weeks. Having Hugh Pyle $250K as my reserve lock last season was one of the main reasons I won the competition. He came on for my team when Nathan Sharpe had done his back in and was a late withdrawal. He scored two tries in five minutes and those extra points catapulted my team into the lead.
2. Do try to pick a captain and vice-captain who are dependable and even on a bad day make you thirty points or so.
3. Do a check of the weather and playing conditions for where your team members are playing. This may effect whom you pick as captain or play as a reserve. Fantasy coaches love a dry track and attention to this detail may get you that extra couple of points.
1. Don’t keep players who are underperforming in your squad. Unlike your real favourite team or players there is no room for sentimentality with fantasy coaches. Conversely, not picking a player whom you despise but who is playing the house down is a recipe for disaster.
2. Don’t pick back-rowers whose primary role is fetching the ball for their team. If they fall foul of the referee the penalties can kill their score. David Pocock $425K is a sometimes exception to this rule.
3. Don’t fill your team with players from the bottom half of the ladder. They may be cheaper but there is usually a good reason why, apart from first year rookies.
And here are Daryl’s rookies to watch:
1. Ardie Savea $100K Hurricanes back-rower
New Zealanders take their backrowers very seriously. This younger brother of Julian Savea is being discussed as a future All Black. As a number 7 has performed well during trial games and will undoubtedly get a run this season, sooner rather than later.
2. Johnny McNicholl $75K Crusaders winger
The Crusaders’ wing stocks are running low with Zac Guildford in rehab, Sean Maitland playing overseas and Kurt Baker injured. This young speedster knows how to find a tryline and may be called up in the early fixtures.
3. Bundee Aki $80K, Charlie Ngatai $125K Chiefs centres
These two young barnstorming centres are fighting it out for the position left vacant with Sonny Bill Williams off code-hopping. Another factor to consider is that fine centre-winger Richard Kahui $275K is one hard tackle away from his seventh shoulder operation, unfortunately.
Cracking advice there. Make sure you sign up for Fox Sports Fantasy Rugby here, and join the G&GR League by entering our code (2262-3803).
What are your top tips for fantasy rugby?
