Welcome to Day 12 of FRG’s Fantasy Rugby World Cup Diary! A daily post during the World Cup in which I will be previewing the upcoming games, looking back at the previous matches and sharing the progress, trials and tribulations of all my teams across the 4 games live for the World Cup…
Match Day 11 Preview
It was a day of no matches today, so all I could do was try to get into the mind of Steve Hansen to work out who he plans to use in both the Canada and Namibia games, but tomorrow will more than make up for it with what promises to be two games that should have a big influence on fantasy managers’ tournaments.
First up we’ll have France v USA, and France have named a much changed squad, in which I have been enormously disappointed to see both Damian Penaud and Antoine Dupont rested. It is still a French side full of quality and the likes of Louis Picamoles, Gael Fickou, Sofiane Guitone, Thomas Ramos and Yoann Huget all have potential to go well. I’ll also be intrigued to see how Alivereti Raka gets on. On the US Side, I’m expecting them to make a bit more of a dent against France than they did against England, and my boy Joe Taufete’e will be front and centre in a lot of my teams.
Then we head over to New Zealand v Canada. The bookies have given New Zealand a 67 point line and so there will be points all over the park, but who to squeeze in? And do you bring in players who may also feature again on Sunday against Namibia which should also be even more of a demolition? In terms of options, if I was to pick the 5 biggest points threats they would be Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett and TJ Perenara, but there is points scoring potential all over the team and there are also legitimate options on the bench with the likes of Ardie Savea and Ben Smith who you would think could be in line for a start against Namibia if they are on the bench for this. Either way, get some NZ coverage in your team, this is the kind of game that wins and loses fantasy leagues.
FRG’s Teams
The Rugby Magazine – Points: 986 – Ranking: 190
I’ll have three players in action tomorrow, Ardie Savea coming off the bench, Beauden Barrett (K & C), Jordie Barrett and Joe Taufete’e as a sub. My teams scored well, and quite fortuitously I have had Gareth Davies come in to my starting line up as Conor Murray has been rested. Disappointed to have no starters for Ireland’s game against Russia which I feel will be an absolute battering.
SuperBru – Points: 462.50 – Ranking: 369
Jumped up about 6,500 places in Round 2 and hoping for more of the same in Round 3. I’ve made 6 subs for this round as follows…
Abraham Steyn (Italy) out for Louis Picamoles (France)
Josua Tuisova (Fiji) out for Andrew Conway (Ireland)
Elliot Daly (England) out for Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
James Ryan (Ireland) out for Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Conor Murray (Ireland) out for TJ Perenara (New Zealand)
Elton Jantjies (South Africa) out for Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
I’ll be captaining Conway and giving Richie kicking duty. Full Round 3 team here…
The Daily Telegraph – Points: 769 – Ranking: 196
Been struggling to make up my mind about what to do, I’ll certainly have three All Blacks including Beauden and Rieko, joining Ardie Savea who is already in my side. But I’m seriously considering going heavier with my remaining transfers. It will probably be a gut feeling move at some point tomorrow morning. My team currently looks like this…
The Irish Times – Points: 570 – Ranking: 1123
My good old shambles of an Irish Times team! On the plus side I’ll have three Fijians playing, as well as double gameweeks for Ringrose and Earls, I’ll also have Richie Mo’unga and Ardie Savea hopefully racking up some points against Canada. Absolutely gutted that Sevu Reece won’t be playing though. Feeling positive about the next couple of days though…
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Looking for more Fantasy Rugby insight and Resources?
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If you want some more sources to help you finalise your decisions, go to our resources page where you’ll find all the 2019 Rugby World Cup fantasy games, all the stats sources, injury news, team news, fantasy relevant rugby betting odds and tons of other useful information.
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