So this week wasn’t as bat-shit crazy as the last in terms of tries/points being scored but it was still a big week for the G&GR League regardless. Lots of good scores being put up out there, and as a whole, we’re chugging along to say the least. Also, you might have noticed that the ‘Fantasy Cup’ portion of the game has kicked in, pitting your team against someone else’s in a head-to-head match up every week. Assuming you keep winning that is…. Best of luck to all of you, maybe one of our bunch will come out on top!
Our top scoring player for the round was le novice13 with a robust 489, pulling him up to 4th in the league. But our man in the chair Steven Hawkin was not to be outdone, posting 486 himself after taking over the league lead last week. Well, he not only maintained his perch at the top, he shot right to the lead spot of the whole she-banga-bang. That’s right, 1st overall in the whole comp! Perhaps our league will be the source of the champ 2 years running! And our league average is only increasing the gap on the competition, keeping us in 1st. As if there was any doubt… Now on to the recap.
Blinders
- Rene Ranger, Blues: Bro had a barn-storming performance against the Reds, accumulating 63 points in his return to the starting XV. I said to wait to spend the cash on him until he showed he can lock down a spot, and that performance should have done it. Looks the goods with ball in hand. His rat-tail can’t be trusted though…
- Juan Smith, Cheetahs: Great overall game, getting into the ball running, defense, lineouts, you name it. Had no negative fantasy marks, which is a good way to make 55. A little more active than I would expect out of him normally, but he’s a solid backrow option.
- Tim Nanai-Williams, Chiefs: Who? you might ask. Well I don’t know. But have a look at this – 53 points, 1 try, 11 busted tackles, 3 linebreaks, and an offload from only 4 runs in 9 minutes. 9 MINUTES! But don’t worry if you missed out on his lubed-up performance, because he didn’t even make the squad this week!
- Morne Steyn, Bulls: Here he is again. No tries this week, not even a single run, but set up 4 beauties for his teammates while earning 51 points. Really just a complete player. Finds a way to get it done every week – in fantasy and real life.
- Tatafu Polota-Nau, Waratahs: Not exactly going in order here, but TPN deserves a shout-out. Logged 45 devastating points in one half of rugby before leaving with an injury that he hopes to overcome this for this weekend. Far and away the class of the hookers this year.
Flops
- Jamie Mackintosh, Highlanders: Has done sweet fuck all this year after looking like he had a shot with the AB’s not so long ago. Somehow managed to get pinged for 6 penalties this week, taking his season total to 10 in just 3 rounds. And to top it off, he’s the Vice-Captain! No wonder the ‘Landers aren’t going anywhere. They’re led by Jimmy Bogan and this meathead.
- Pek Cowan, Force: Rough day at the office for Pek. Had been going pretty well at hooker until this week’s 3 not straights against only 5 lineout wins. I think he’s still a decent option since he’s listed as a prop and should bounce back.
- Stephen Brett, Blues: After his hope-provoking 42 points in Round 1, Brett is back to his old self with two -2 point performances in a row. Between the missed kicks, missed tackles, and errors, he had -19 points worth of deductions. Stellar! But at least his hair was perfect.
Bargain Bin
- Ben Daley, Reds: Has had a couple good weeks back to back in an improving Reds front row. Worth a flyer for his workrate.
- Saia Faingaa, Reds: Same as Daley, so I’ll add him too. A good cheap option from what is becoming a real unit.
- Michael Paterson, ‘Canes: Mentioned him last week and he backed it up with another round in the 40’s. Seems the real deal.
- Michael Hobbs, ‘Landers: Not sure how long this honeymoon will last with him, but the lad is putting up big numbers. Plus he’s been given the nickname ‘The Butcher’. Now that’s just too good.
Not sure if any of you are in a pickle like me, but this could be a rough week. The Bulls are on a bye, TPN is questionable with a hammy complaint, Thomas Waldrom is out, Jason Eaton is out, Digby is out. That’s a lot of holes to fill. Good luck!
