What we learnt in fantasy rugby this week – Aviva Premiership Week 4

Fantasy Rugby Geekon

Another week in Premiership Rugby, and this is what we learnt…

Injuries taking toll

With the threat of players strikes becoming more than just whispers at what are well justified concerns over the proposed extending of the season, an extremely attritional weekend will have added further weight to the players’ objections. There were some extremely high profile injuries this weekend, not least to Billy Vunipola who capped off a wretched 2017 with a knee injury that will look to keep him out for another 4 months. The player of the season thus far, Sam Simmonds, was taken off with a heavy blow to the head, which will keep him sidelined for some time and elsewhere there were numerous injuries for Quins, including Marcus Smith, Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown.

These unfortunate injuries will no doubt result in fantasy managers having to do some significant re-shuffling when squads are announced this weekend. Keep an eye on the injury news details on the Rugby Magazine’s massively useful injury page to monitor injuries and expected returns.

Baxter’s boys on the rise

A hugely impressive all round performance by Exeter with a comprehensive dismantling of Wasps at Sandy Park made a huge statement to the rest of the Premiership, and throughout the Chiefs side there were some outstanding individual performances that would have delighted Rob Baxter and fantasy managers in equal measure.

Standouts included Henry Slade (2 assists, 63m gained, 2 clean breaks and 7 defenders beaten), Sam Skinner (41m gained, 2 clean breaks, 8 tackles and a lineout steal), Olly Woodburn (2 tries, 54m gained and 3 clean breaks) and Don Armand (1 try, 35m gained and 9 tackles made). Top of the table, the Chiefs have threats all over the park and should not be ignored.

Alex Waller, Top of the Props

We’ve mentioned most weeks the value of a ball carrying prop in the Rugby Magazine fantasy game (1 point for every metre gained) and once again Alex Waller topped the charts with a barnstorming performance against London Irish. Waller has carried for a huge 121 metres so far this season and is emerging as an essential addition this season and a bona fide captain pick. In close competition is Vincent Koch who carried well this weekend and added another try to his tally this season. Keep an eye on those all important ball carrying props. Below are the Top 10 carriers this season…

Falcons soaring

Newcastle’s scintillating early season form has continued, and with a win on the road at the Rec, it appears they are the real deal. DTH Van Der Merwe delivered on expectation by dotting down early into his debut, while the spine of Green, Wilson and Takulua continues to make a massive impact. The only blot on proceedings was the injury to the outstanding Takulua, hopefully it won’t be a long absence.

All this without two of their biggest signings from the summer, Toby Flood and Maxime Mermoz yet to make a start. Next up for Newcastle is the flailing London Irish at Kingston Park. All signs are pointing to a big win for Newcastle this weekend, so load up on Falcons players.

Spencer taking centre stage

Our under the radar pick for Round 4 duly obliged with two tries and an assist as well as 57m gained, 3 clean breaks and 62 passes made. Spencer is a huge fantasy threat whenever he takes the field. Could this be the season he finally usurps Richard Wigglesworth as Saracens’ first choice 9? If so, sign him up to your team, as he is fantasy gold.