First of all, congratulations again on an amazing performance so far! Reaching the top of the world rankings is a serious achievement! Do you play fantasy rugby regularly?
HP: Thank you very much, and no, not at all. This is actually the first year I’ve taken part so I’m a couple of months into my fantasy rugby experience. I think it's a bit of a fluke that I've ended up first.
Did you have a strategy in your team selection or was it more a case of going with your gut feeling?
HP: My main strategy was to listen to my co-manager in the shape of my dad as he’s seen more games than me! I do look at the fixtures and pick players from teams I think are going to win or who are performing well. Although sometimes my strategy is just to pick the players I can afford.
Did you use stats to help drive your selections?
HP: Not really, no. I do keep an eye on which players are scoring highly but nothing more than that.
Clearly your team so far has performed from 1-15, but do you still have any selection regrets at all?
HP: My Welsh picks in the first week underperformed but otherwise fairly happy with my player selection. I’ve regretted my choice of captain for both weeks though!
As we all know, the supersub can be the difference between a good gameweek and a league-winning gameweek. Do you have a strategy as to who you select for the supersub?
HP: Ah the supersub, my nemesis throughout the men’s tournament (don’t mention the Feyi-Waboso round one disaster!). My strategy now is to definitely pick a forward and probably a front row player. I must confess that the credit for this tournament goes to my co-manager, as they suggested Connie Powell.
So far she's scored 66 and 78 points so she's not going anywhere anytime soon. Having only had mediocre to poor performances with my supersub in the men's tournament, I can definitely say that it makes a big impact having a successful supersub.
Who are the players you've selected who have contributed the most to your huge score?
HP: Other than Connie Powell, supersub extraordinaire, Ellie Kildunne has been a high scorer as she's been scoring tries for fun, and my back row duo of Menager and Gallagher have also been solid performers.
If there’s one single tip that you’d give to a new fantasy rugby manager, what would it be?
HP: Don't be distracted by the big-name expensive players. You can get really good value for money with lesser known players giving solid performances. My best scores have usually come from each player performing and earning 20-40 points rather than having one stand-out performer scoring 150 points (although that doesn't hurt).
Did you use any specific websites or resources to help your team planning?
HP: Well the only resource I've used is the Fantasy Rugby Geek! I learnt how to play by reading your guides and have picked up some useful tips. May I take this opportunity to thank you?
Will you be changing your approach at all for the remainder of the Championship? Any lessons you've learned from your fantasy selection so far?
HP: No plans to change our approach at present. Ask me again after round 3 is over!
Looking ahead to this weekend's games, are there any players you have your eye on to bring in your team?
HP: Thinking of possibly bringing in Rosie Galligan after her stellar performance last round. Otherwise, not thinking of many changes.
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