It has been a Championship for the back rowers thus far, with a number of them producing stand-out performances in the opening two weekends of action.
Will the trend continue or buck as we enter Round 3? Let’s see whether it’s best to stick or twist…
If we’re told history always repeats itself, then we are set for a high-scoring duel between two sides searching for their first win of the tournament.
When a game is free-flowing and dynamic, the fly-half tends to play an integral role and with Adam Hastings available at just 11.6 stars, the Glasgow man could be considered a steal.
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Scotland lock Jonny Gray is living up to his reputation in the tackling department, registering 32 tackles after two matches. With 18 points awarded for an away win in the Championship, his defensive work could come in handy. Available for only 13.5 stars, the 25-year-old might be a good shout.
Sean Maitland hasn’t quite made his mark on the tournament yet and the 31-year-old winger is rarely kept quiet for too long. At just 11 stars, his addition could be considered an economic purchase.
Stuart Hogg found confidence last weekend in his try-scoring display for club side Exeter Chiefs, and would love to transfer that kind of display onto the Six Nations stage.
The full-back has scored some of his finest tries in a Scotland jersey against Italy and, while still on the pricey end at 14.7 stars, it might be worth hedging your bets with the Scotland captain to shine through in Rome.
His counterpart on Saturday, Matteo Minozzi, has been leading Italy’s charge with 242 metres made so far, and if the game is as open as previous clashes, he could be worth a punt. Although the Wasps star will cost 15 stars – the most expensive Italian in the game.
Jake Polledri has been a consistent performer in the Savoy Blue jersey since he made his debut in the same fixture two years ago. The ball-carrying No. 6 is a constant presence in the loose and makes a steady contribution in defence, averaging 15 tackles per game this Championship. You can grab the Gloucester man for 13.1 stars.
This is a titanic clash which sees France aiming to continue their Grand Slam push against a wounded Wales side at Principality Stadium.
Dan Biggar has recovered from an injury he picked up against Ireland and will be pivotal as Wales look to get back to winning ways.
In tight affairs of the past, Biggar’s boot has been instrumental for Wales. His class from the tee comes at a cost, however, with the fly-half priced at 16.3 stars.
The often under-rated Justin Tipuric has been worth his weight in gold (stars in this case) in the opening couple of weeks. The robust flanker picked up the man-of-the-match award against Scotland and put in a considerable try-scoring shift in a losing effort against Ireland last time out.
Albeit, he is an expensive option at 16.8 stars, but he rarely fails to produce on the big stage. The 30-year-old will also relish the challenge against a youthful France side.
That being said, we can’t possibly ignore his counterpart on Saturday, Charles Ollivon. The No. 7 appears to be relishing the captaincy role and has amassed 134 points in the game thus far.
However, his promise in gaining more Fantasy points comes at a price – a significant one. Ollivon will cost 17.6 stars – the most expensive Frenchman in the game, but considering his performances for Les Bleus recently, can he be ignored?
The scrum is set to be a tantalising battle and the hookers will play a large role in how it plays out in Cardiff. Julien Marchand has been sharp in between the props, starting both of France’s games so far and is a bargain at just 10.9 stars.
Ken Owens might be the man to duel with Marchand up front and is a reliable asset for the Welsh in what should be a tight contest. The veteran is slightly pricier than his opposite man at 14 stars but could the home conditions favour Owens?
Can England stop Ireland’s assault on a fourth Guinness Six Nations title in seven years, or will Andy Farrell’s side repeat their victory at Twickenham from two years ago?
As Owen Farrell looks to inflict defeat on his father’s side, his accuracy off the tee will need to be at its best on Sunday. The centre is England’s joint-most expensive player in the game, costing 16.1 stars but some of his finest performances have come up against Ireland.
Jonny May loves Twickenham, and Twickenham loves Jonny May. The England flyer’s record at the ground is impressive, with 19 of his 29 international tries being scored on the hallowed turf.
The winger has also registered tries in both of England’s previous two games against Ireland and could be considered a must-have, even at 16.1 stars in the game.
Another England back who enjoys the Twickenham aura is Jonathan Joseph. The outside centre loves nothing more than space and with his defensive qualities being relied upon recently, Joseph will love nothing more than some running rugby. Also, at 12.9 stars, he could be the bargain on the week.
If CJ Stander hasn’t been selected, then find room in your XV. The bulldozing No. 8 has picked up back-to-back man-of-the-match awards and it’s not difficult to see why. Stander has made 101 metres and tallied up 27 tackles. The Munster giant is a popular choice and costs 17.2 stars to add to your side.
Jacob Stockdale, Andrew Conway and Jordan Larmour have been in top form as Ireland’s flying back three in the tournament. While Stockdale and Larmour are listed at 16.2 stars, Conway is only 12.4 stars – an unmissable deal! The winger has accumulated just shy of 100 points and is an economical bet at such a low price.
Tadhg Furlong is a man in demand. The tighthead’s confidence will be sky high after his try-scoring display last time out against Wales. The price tag is hefty at 16.2 stars but his stock is unlikely to fall, making the Irishman a wise investment.
