The finals are drawing near, which means that fantasy crunch time is fast approaching. Each week is becoming more and more valuable. Time is dwindling for those of us looking to move up the table, and for those at the top, it’s getting harder and harder to hold on.
The league leader is still Meeks Gold, who is doing a hell of a job holding down 8th overall. We’ve also got seven members in the Top 100 overall, and the #1 league average in the comp by a fair margin. This is damn impressive when you consider that there are over 40,000 participants in the whole she-banga-bang.
It’s becoming clear that this year’s extended playing season is having a huge impact on the fantasy game. We’re in the middle of back-to-back-to-back rounds of three-team byes that are proving to be quite the headache. Add to that all of the injuries, and it can be difficult to field a full team every week. Especially one that you’re actually happy with.
Have a look at some of those who either are currently in the infirmary, or have spent a good chunk of time there:
- Props – Woodcock, Steenkamp, A. Strauss (really a hooker)
- Hookers – TPN, Moore, Liebenberg
- Locks – Williams, Whitelock, Horwill
- Back row – Thomson, Todd, Elsom, Minnie, Palu, Pocock, McCaw, Waugh, Hoiles
- Inside Backs – D. Carter, Toeava, Slade, Grant, Cruden, Horne, C. Smith, Nonu
- Outside Backs – Poki, Dagg, Maitland, Mitchell, Jane, Davies, Hynes
Now I might have missed some, but to be honest I just got tired of searching. Most of those listed above would at least be a factor in many fantasy teams, if not outright stars of the fantasy world. With these kind of MIAs, times can be tough. Good luck to those still slogging it out. If you’ve still got your wildcard, might as well pull the trigger while it’s still useful. In the finals there are unlimited transfers.
Hot Picks
- Benn Robinson – If you haven’t noticed, Fat Cat is back to his exceptional work rate and in fine form. Kepu had been the fantasy pick of the Tahs props; no longer.
- Adrian Strauss – Gives you a chance to play two hookers since he’s strangely listed at prop for the Cheetahs. Usually scores like a hooker too, but doesn’t get as many lineout points as you’d expect and does most of his damage by running the ball.
- Stephen Moore – Since coming back from injury he’s been awesome. Seems he’s playing with a bit of pride, since the Brumbies have little else to play for and he’s better than their troubles.
- Fritz Lee – It’s a shame the Chiefs are just going on a bye because he has been a great bargain for his cost lately. He forms a nice ball-running tandem with his back row mate, Liam Messam. Worth a look when they come back.
- Johann Sadie – He’s only a recent call-up for the Stormers, but he’s looked like he’s always belonged. You never know if the Stormers will spin the ball though, so his chances could be hit or miss.
Fantasy Wallabies
Sometimes I like to comb through the stats to see who the Wallabies 22 would be if picked on fantasy points. Fool’s errand, I know, but it’s just for fun. try to pick the players where they actually play and only if eligible for the squad. Here’s how they look to date.
I’d say the one place I took some liberty was in the centres. Gits hasn’t played there much and McCabe is really a fullback. But I just couldn’t put Gits in the 10 jersey with Cooper barely behind, and there were no real contenders for outside centre. Morty, AAC, and Cross are so far behind in points that it’s a little embarrassing; also JO’C, since he’s obviously not a winger for the Force but has been for the Wallabies. So that’s where he slots in.
So what do you think? It’s not a horrible team by any means, maybe lacking some grunt in the forwards. Actually, I wouldn’t mind if all of those named were part of the wider training squad picked by Deans. Hands up for Tom Carter the Fantasy Wallaby?
