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NatWest 6 Nations Fantasy Preview: Round Five

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The destination of the NatWest 6 Nations trophy may have already been decided, but there is still plenty to play for as the Championship goes into its final weekend for Fantasy Rugby players.

The destination of the NatWest 6 Nations trophy may have already been decided, but there is still plenty to play for as the Championship goes into its final weekend for Fantasy Rugby players.

For those with plenty of points in the bag, there’s just one more weekend to keep yourselves flying high at the top, while it’s a final chance for others to overhaul your mates.

Click here to play the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations Fantasy Game

And for an added bonus during Rounds Four and Five, you can enter Alex Corbisiero’s league for a chance to win two tickets to any 2019 Championship fixture.

Here are a few key points to help you out.   Italy v Scotland

Italy have one last chance to pick up their first victory in the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations, while Scotland will be looking for their first away win in the Championship for two years.

Full back Matteo Minozzi has been by far and away Italy’s most successful player this year, with a points average of 8.5 and at 9.15 stars is will not cost as much as most of his fellow No.15s.

Scotland have made five changes to the team that lost 28-8 in Ireland last weekend, with winger Tommy Seymour, who will set you back 14.45 stars, the most eye-catching name to come into the side.

Another of the new faces, prop WP Nel, costs 11.55 stars if you want to stick him straight into your team as he is a powerful presence in the scrum.

Several of you may have picked centre Huw Jones in your team following his performances in this year’s Championship and the centre is still reasonably priced at 13.35 stars.

He is going to be partnered in midfield by Nick Grigg, who is making his first NatWest 6 Nations start and he’ll set you back only 9.55 stars if you back Scotland’s backline to fire at the Stadio Olimpico.

England v Ireland

Having secured the NatWest 6 Nations title last week, Ireland will be heading to England one victory away from completing the Grand Slam on St Patrick’s Day.

In an attempt to prevent an Irish party at Twickenham, England have made sweeping changes to the side who saw their defence of the Championship ended by a 22-16 defeat at France in round four.

Sam Simmonds, who scored two tries against Italy on the opening weekend, is the most expensive of the seven players coming in, at 16.40 stars.

Owen Farrell (15.25 stars) is moved to fly-half and has been England’s best performer, with a points average of 36.1, while lock George Kruis may off reasonable value at 14.6 stars.

Champions Ireland dominate the overall list for best players, with free-scoring winger Jacob Stockdale topping the charts with a points average of 57.4.

That has caused his value to soar to 18.35 stars, however, although lock Iain Henderson, brought into the starting line-up, may be worth considering at 14.20.

Wales v France

Wales go into the final round of fixtures second in the table and round off their campaign with the visit of France, looking for their third straight win, to Principality Stadium.

Hadleigh Parkes had an inspired game for the Welsh last time out, against Italy, and the centre still represents good value at 13.80 stars.

There was also a return to form for George North in Cardiff last week, but the big winger will set you back 17.00 stars if you fancy drafting him into your Fantasy team.

One of Wales’ top performers, Rob Evans (32.9 points average), is one seven players brought into the side the prop has seen his value rise to 13.65 stars.

Remy Grosso was one of France’s stars against England last week, is well-priced at 13.45 stars compared to other wingers, and is the second-best performer in the Championship, behind Stockdale.

In the absence of the injured Guilhem Guirado, Mathieu Bastareaud will captain the French and he will cost you 14.20 stars if you back him to carry on his excellent form of late.