Four weeks into the season now and things are still looking good for our group. Our league average is now clear of our closest competition by more than 100 points and looks to be putting on distance each week. Much of that success we owe to our league leader for the 3rd straight week — Steven Hawkin Rugby. The man is still tops overall in FoxSports, with a pretty solid lead over #2. How does he do it? Well leading our league in points for this round after coming 2nd last week is a good start.
This round was a down week in terms of both exciting rugby, and in my opinion fantasy. Several try-fests were expected that didn’t pan out. The Hurricanes started shooting themselves in the foot early this year. The Tahs fizzled again. The Ponies won but in rather blah fashion. And the Reds but a damper on any party the Chiefs were hoping to have (much to my delight). I for one am very thankful to have the Bulls back in action this round. Now let’s get down to business…
Blinders
- Tatafu Polota-Nau, Waratahs: The big man continued his rampaging play with a round-leading 61 points. He did it all really from loose play to set piece work without any negative deductions. I’m hoping he continues to show his class.
- Deon Fourie, Stormers: Another good week from a hooker. Fourie got a chance at significant minutes and really grabbed it with both hands, recording a try, a tighthead, 7 runs, and 9 lineout takes. Really an impressive effort. Too bad he’s back on the bench this week…
- Daniel Halangahu, Waratahs: Wait, really?!?!? A Tah back is third in fantasy points for this week? After that circle jerk display? Well apparently so. Dan had a few slicing runs and scored a try to get himself 47 points, surely a career high for him. Round of applause everyone.
- Dan Carter, Crusaders: Another Dan, but one we’re more accustomed to seeing on this list. His kicking improved this week as he went 7 for 7 from the tee and was busy around the park. Seems to be getting better every week. Getting his partners in crime Thorn and McCaw back no doubt has helped with the overall play of the Saders.
- Tom Carter, Waratahs: Are you shitting me? First Hangers and now TC? What is the fantasy world coming too. He had as many linebreaks (2) as Sivivatu and even threw in an offload for good measure. Not sure how I feel about this. I demand a recount!!
Flops
- Michael Paterson, ‘Canes: Got the start at lock instead of blindside and I can’t say it did him any favors. Was that the reason he basically went missing and put up a -2? I dunno, but he better adjust and find a way to up his workrate because he’s back at lock this week.
- Michael Hobbs, ‘Landers: Second player from my bargain bin list of last week to show up in the flops. Shows how much I know… I’m literally copy-pasting. I guess that honeymoon ended sooner rather than later for the The Butcher. Stormers ate him and the rest of the Highlanders up.
- Kurtley Beale, Tahs: KB’s “attempt” at an “intercept” and subsequent yellow card put him at -11 points for the week. Ouch. And he got Skid Marks boned essentially. Talk about mental baggage…
Bargain Bin
- Hannes Franklin, Lions: Solid hooker that comes cheap! Take that how you will… He’s been consistent so far and the Lions frontrow is good for a few tightheads here and there. But probably not this week with the Tahs scrum looking strong.
- Alby Mathewson, Blues: At $3.5 he’s not the cheapest scrumhalf, but he’s been one of the best this year and comes cheaper than the likes of Genia, Kockott, and FdP. He had one bad game in round 2 but has been superb (20+ points) in all other games.
- Ant Faingaa, Reds: Has quite the combo going with both Quade inside him and Morgan outside. The man is a monster in midfield defense too, which can probably be counted on week in week out because he has to cover QC’s channel so often. Could be in for a good week against the Force.
