The Autumn Nations Series will return at the end of October, and with it, so will another mouth-watering edition of Fantasy Rugby.
There will be 14 of the best rugby teams in the world on show during a fascinating five-week feast of action.
But with so many players to choose from, which stars should be making it into your Fantasy Rugby team?
With a multitude of choices to be made, what better time than now to take a look at the six must-have players during the Autumn Nations Series?
Lukhanyo Am
In the eyes of many, South Africa’s Lukhanyo Am is the best centre in the world right now.
He was the standout Springbok on the field as the world champions fell to a 35-23 defeat against New Zealand in The Rugby Championship last weekend.
The 28-year-old showed his versatility in that game, making 137 metres and scoring a try despite being moved to the wing in the first half.
The Sharks centre is undoubtedly a threat with the ball in his hands, but in the last 12 months has also added a fearsome defensive record and intelligent kicking game to his arsenal.
This autumn, he could be the player to watch.
Gabin Villière
Few players made as big an impact on the 2022 Guinness Six Nations as Gabin Villière.
The France winger scored all three of his tries against Italy in Round 1 of Rugby’s Greatest Championship, finishing it as the joint top scorer alongside countryman Damian Penaud.
Fans can expect much the same when Les Bleus take on Australia, South Africa and Japan, with Villière expected to be back to his best for club and country after three months out with injury.
Len Ikitau
Centre Len Ikitau is as exciting as they come.
The 23-year-old Australia star has already scored twice in two games in the Rugby Championship having also scored twice against the Springboks during last year’s competition.
Ikitau has an electric pace but is also capable of putting in a huge hit in defence and if he’s at his best when Australia take on Scotland, France, Italy, Ireland and England this Autumn Nations Series, then he will be crucial to your Fantasy Rugby team.
Thomas Gallo
Thomas Gallo is a master of the art of prop tries.
The 23-year-old is in otherworldly form heading into this Autumn’s festival of rugby, having scored twice in Argentina’s 48-17 dispatching of Australia during this year’s Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies had only lost one of their previous 14 Tests against Argentina, but that didn’t stop Gallo rampaging through the Australian defence like a knife through butter.
He will be a must-have Fantasy Rugby player during the Autumn Nations Series thanks to his world-class finishing.
His double against Australia back in 2021 made him the first prop to score twice on his debut during the professional era.
So, if you want a high-scoring front-row forward, Gallo is the guy for you.
Josh van der Flier
Josh van der Flier was one of the best players on show during the 2022 Guinness Six Nations and was nominated for Player of the Championship before losing out to France’s Antoine Dupont.
He was an attacking threat but was also the cornerstone of a rock-solid Ireland defence that only conceded four tries in five games.
Ireland will be looking to maintain the momentum from their first-ever series win in New Zealand when they face South Africa, Fiji and Australia this Autumn.
And if they are going to do so, then they will need openside flanker Van der Flier firing on all cylinders.
Ardie Savea
New Zealand have had to overcome a series of new challenges over the last 12 months, with a difficult run of results seeing them lose five games in six between November 2021 and the start of August.
However, Ardie Savea is still one of the best back rows Fantasy Rugby has to offer.
At 28 years old he will be reaching his prime when the All Blacks travel to the Northern Hemisphere to take on Wales, Scotland, and England.
And after Ian Foster got his side’s 2022 back on track with a resounding 35-23 win against world champions South Africa, New Zealand and Savea are set to light up the Autumn Nations Series.
