It is almost the business end of the Guinness Six Nations as we head into Round 3 and there are plenty of stars to look out for in a compelling round of fixtures.
From a fantasy perspective there is plenty of intrigue as Ireland travel to Rome to face a resurgent Italy side, before England and Wales clash in what is set to be a gripping game in Cardiff before France try to get back to winning ways against Scotland.
A lot of excellent rugby coming up then and a lot to think about for fantasy managers, but if you are struggling for time, ideas or simply want to know some more options, we have you covered with five ones to watch for Round 3.
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Garry Ringrose (Ireland – Centre – 17.2 stars)
Ireland have been at the top of their game as they retained world number one status with victory over France and next up in their title charge comes a visit to a preferred opponent in Italy.
One man who starred in Dublin against France was centre Garry Ringrose, whose try sealed the victory, and he should be firmly among your thoughts for Round 3’s trip to Rome.
Ireland have scored over 50 points in seven of their previous 10 fixtures with Italy, and even with the Azzurri’s recent resurgence, they will still be expecting to score points.
As an excellent attacking outside centre, Ringrose can both create and score tries for fun and rack up serious points, making him one to watch if you have the stars, and the space for an Ireland player.
Danilo Fischetti (Italy – Prop – 11.6 stars)
Against an Ireland side that have more than proven their ability in attack, Italy’s defence is going to have to be on point and no player across the whole of the Guinness Six Nations this year has more dominant tackles than Danilo Fischetti’s five.
It may have been Marco Riccioni who dotted down for the Azzurri against England at Twickenham, but Fischetti was mighty impressive, with seven tackles (three of which were dominant at 43%).
Throughout the whole Championship, he has made one line-break and a truly excellent 53 metres made from prop.
The fact he has made that from just nine carries is even more impressive and at just 11.6 stars he represents serious value.
Rio Dyer (Wales – Back Three- 12.9 stars)
Wales have not enjoyed the best period of form on the pitch so far this Championship, but there has been promise from some young players, perhaps no more so than winger Rio Dyer.
Dyer’s knock-on just short of the try-line was one he will be having nightmares about, but aside from that it was another sound performance from the 23-year-old.
Dyer has made 197 metres and three line-breaks and now represents fantastic value at 12.9 stars – he is one to consider.
Ollie Lawrence (England – Centre – 11.2 stars)
At just 11.2 stars, Ollie Lawrence is probably one of the best value picks out there, as shown by his phenomenal display against Italy at Twickenham.
Rightly awarded Player of the Match, Lawrence was at his very best for the first time in an England shirt, showing Steve Borthwick just what he is capable of.
94 metres made from just 13 carries at an average of 7.2 metres per carry show just how powerful a carrier he is, while he also won a turnover and broke through a magnificent eight tackles.
He is definitely one to seriously ponder including at such a low price considering what he is capable of doing.
Anthony Jelonch (France- Back Row – 17.1 stars)
Anthony Jelonch had one of his best matches in a France shirt against Ireland in Dublin, with a display that he will certainly have been very pleased with.
Assisting Damian Penaud for his outrageous try, Jelonch picked up 58 metres from just seven carries, breaking through two tackles in the process.
But defensively is where he can really earn you points, as he made 22 tackles against Ireland, to take his total for the Championship up to 42 – third overall behind Matt Fagerson and Thibaud Flament, making him one to watch despite his relatively hefty price tag.
