The scores are in, the results are tallied… and New Zealand beat us in fantasy too. Not only did they walk away with Bill, but one of their ardent supporters also topped the G&GR RWC Fantasy League.
Congratulations to GURU 0909 and his team Black Attack who climbed the standings higher each week. GURU was not only our champ, he finished 12th overall in the FoxSports comp. Quite the accomplishment, with thousands of entries and 144 in our league alone.
It wasn’t easy to find the gems of each round, especially with some of the high performers coming from minnow nations. Not the usual who’s-who of the Super or Tri Nations competitions. Finding the best took careful study of match-ups, knowledge of obscure foreign teams, and dedication to randomly timed deadlines. None of which I was even passable at. So my ultimate compliments to GURU once again for kicking ass at it.
Taking a look at the overall dream team you see some surprises. The number of Welsh representatives is more than I would have thought, considering that when you equate fantasy points and ‘running rugby’ to a team it’s usually one of the southern hemisphere contingent. I guess that’s why four of their five members are in the forwards. Two Wallabies made the cut in David Pocock and Adam Ashley-Cooper. Consolation prize, anyone?
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion is DTH van der Merwe of Canada. Yes, that Canada. He managed to be the third-highest scoring outside back, despite not playing past the pool stages. He also wins the prize for most drawn-out name. Impressive indeed, sir. And Sonny Bill Williams, who still managed to top the inside backs while having a combined –8 points in the games against Australia and France. He is a wonder!
The full dream team: Woodcock (NZ), Bennett (WAL), Franks (NZ), Jones (WAL), Charteris (WAL), Kaino (NZ), Faletau (WAL), Pocock (AUS); Hougard (SA), Williams (NZ), Kahui (NZ), Ashley-Cooper (AUS), North (WAL), Clerc (FRA), van der Merwe (CAN).
Thanks to everyone who fronted up! Hope to see you again in another G&GR Fantasy League!
