Daily Fantasy games are fast becoming big business, and while it is well established for the likes of football, NFL and NBA, Daily Fantasy Rugby games seem to be in short supply. In the past we have had the likes of Statbacker and Fanto dip their toes into the world of Daily Fantasy Rugby, but the first game to make a real decent fist of it is today’s reviewees; PlayOn.
While it is not yet confirmed, PlayOn have in the past had fantasy games in place both for Six Nations and Super Rugby, so many of the world’s Fantasy Rugby hardcore are hoping that it returns for 2020. Log in to PlayOn on Thursday 30th January to see if the games are live!
WHAT IS DAILY FANTASY RUGBY?
Before we analyse the game, first of all, an introduction; what is Daily Fantasy and what differentiates it from traditional fantasy sport?
Daily Fantasy games bridge the gap between sports betting and fantasy sports games. As with traditional fantasy sports games, players compete against others by building a team of players while remaining under a salary cap, and earn points based on the actual statistical performance of the players. Daily fantasy sports are an accelerated version of traditional fantasy games, usually conducted over short-term periods, such as a week or single day of competition, as opposed to those that are played across an entire season. Daily fantasy sports are generally structured in the form of paid competitions, with real money (although most games also offer free games too), where winners receive a share of a pre-determined pot funded by their entry fees.
Today we’ll be analysing PlayOn, however if any new Daily Fantasy Rugby games pop up and catch your eye, please let us know at fantasyrugbygeek@gmail.com or @frugbygeek on Twitter.
THE PREMISE OF PLAYON
PlayOn are a world leader in Daily Fantasy for Football, Rugby League, F1, Tennis, Golf and most importantly of course, Rugby Union, and they have some awesome games currently going on as the Super Rugby season reaches its climax.
Their Daily Fantasy Rugby game is a salary cap style game allowing the player to build the best possible squad of players within the constraints of a budget.
You have a budget of $100m to build a team of 9 players spread across 1x Front Row, 1x Second Row, 2x Back Row, 1x Scrum Half, 1x Fly Half, 1x Centre and 2x Back Three.
There is no limit on the amount of kickers that you have in your side, however, the game makers realise the importance of a solid goal kicker, so expect to pay a significant chunk of your budget to bring these players in (D-Mak ain’t going to be cheap!).
Points pile on in PlayOn and you can gain points for Tries (100), Assists (50), Defenders beaten (10), Offloads (20), Turnovers (30), Metres gained (5 per metre), Tackles made (10), Line breaks (30), Drop goal (40), Successful penalty/conversion (25) and Minutes played (3 per minute).
However be wary, you can also get penalised for Tackles missed (-10), Handling errors (-20), Penalties conceded (-10), Missed kick (-10), Yellow cards (-50) and Red cards (-100)
There are various types of games available. Users can enter one-on-one games, private multiplayer games against their friends and public multiplayer games against the general public. Games are for free or for cash, with cash pots distributed as per the Payout Structure for the relevant game. One-on-One Games have 2 entrants. Multiplayer Games have >2 entrants. Multiplayer games can be private – where entrants are invited to the game by the game creator or by people the game creator has invited – or public, where anyone can join. Users can decide if they want to play for free or for real money (providing the paid game is available in your country – if not, the free games are available to all).
Each user can pick and enter as many different teams as they like (providing they can afford it!). Users can make as many changes to their Daily Fantasy Rugby teams before the team-picking deadline closes – one minute before each match is scheduled to start. Each user’s last saved team is the team that gets entered into their one-on-one and multiplayer games. A valid team is a team of 9 players that costs 100m or less. There are no restrictions on how many players from a particular team a user can select.
THE KEY POINTS
- Squad Size: 9
- Team size: 9
- Double scoring captain?: No
- Designated Kicker?: No
- Transfers: Not Applicable
- Max players from one club: No limit
THE EDGE
While the usual Fantasy Rugby Golden Rules tend to apply in Daily Fantasy Rugby, there are also for further tips to help give your team the edge…
Use your budget well
It seems the most crucial observation in Daily Fantasy Rugby is that you must use your budget wisely, the points come thick and fast so you are far better served ensuring that all 9 of your players are starting (you get 3 points for every minute played) rather than hoping one of the bench comes on to make an impact. The makers of the game are well aware of any mismatches so will price the dangermen in the favourites accordingly (Folau v Sunwolves would have taken well over a quarter of your budget!).
Out of position players are worth their weight in gold
Players who are categorised in certain positions, but mostly play in others can be great value. Outside backs who generally have a high probability of scoring tries, beating players, breaking the line and carrying for metres are traditionally the highest scorers, so if you can find an Outside Back categorised as a Centre, then load up! Likewise this works well if you can find a Loose Forward categorised as a lock. This will make a huge impact to your overall Daily Fantasy Rugby score.
Players who like to run with the ball have the potential to score big
With 5 points available for every metre gained, you will be well rewarded with players who run the ball in from deep and can take on and beat players, so load your team up with fullbacks and wings who like to run with the ball.
Other attributes that score well include players with the ability to win turnovers, break the line and obviously you will be well rewarded for tryscorers and try creators.
Discipline is key
With -10 for conceded penalties, -50 for yellow cards and -100 for red cards, it’s crucial that you avoid any players known to attract unwanted attention from the ref. Review the stats beforehand to minimise the risk of losing points through ill-discipline.
PlayOn have some awesome deals on at the moment, and if you sign up today, you will receive a free $22 entry with a first-time deposit. It is worth noting that while PlayOn’s Daily Fantasy Rugby game is available globally, they can only currently offer real-money games in regulated countries (Ireland, Australia and UK), however if you are in South Africa, New Zealand or the USA, while won’t be able to play in the SuperContest, you can still sign up and have a go in a free game (As we know, bragging rights can be just as prized as cash!).
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