Round 2 of the Women’s Six Nations is almost upon us and it promises to be another action-packed weekend.
Fantasy Rugby managers will again be on the edge of their seats to cheer on their chosen few, having no doubt reshuffled the pack this week to accommodate players from Italy and Ireland for the first time.
England’s team news may mean further alterations, with Simon Middleton ringing the changes, while Welsh players will be determined to add to their points tallies following a tough Round 1 clash against France.
We’ve already selected our must-have forwards and backs to help you on your way but should you need any further guidance, here is our Fantasy Rugby preview ahead of Round 2…
Pick your Women’s Six Nations Fantasy Rugby team now!
Italy v England
Italy will have watched on with interest as their Pool A rivals went head-to-head last weekend and will be eager to make their own mark on this year’s competition.
They could hardly ask for a tougher opening assignment than the visit of a confident Red Roses side in search of a third consecutive Championship but there are no shortage of options for Fantasy Rugby managers hoping to add some Azzurre talent to their line-ups.
All three back-rowers – Elisa Giordano, Giada Franco and Ilaria Arrighetti – are worth considering, with the latter an absolute snip at just 11.5 stars, while prop Lucia Gai (10 stars) will hope to celebrate her 70th cap in style.
Of the backs, captain Manuela Furlan is listed as a full-back in Fantasy Rugby but will lead the side from the wing against England, potentially opening up more try-scoring opportunities for a player priced at 14.5 stars.
Furlan herself identified scrum-half Sara Barattin (14.0 stars) as her must-pick going into the tournament and sometimes there is just no substitute for experience – the 34-year-old will be winning her 96th cap at the weekend.
As for the visitors, Middleton’s changes means some tricky dilemmas for those who have plumped for the Cleall twins.
Both Bryony and Poppy are among the replacements – do you drop them for starters or hope they earn enough minutes on the field to make an impact?
With the latter the most expensive forward in Fantasy Rugby at 18.4 stars, some may opt to use their budget elsewhere this week – returning Red Roses skipper Sarah Hunter (14.2 stars) will be among those considered.
Of those who are starting, Jess Breach retains her place on the wing and looks a must-have, even at 18.6 stars, following a blistering start to the Championship against Scotland which earned her managers 112.8 points.
Her fellow back-three speedster Ellie Kildunne, in for her first start of this Six Nations, has also been a regular try-scorer for her country and looks a bargain at 14.6 stars.
Wales v Ireland
On to Cardiff, where Wales and Ireland will do battle at the Arms Park in an intriguing game in which home advantage has proved crucial in recent years.
The last three meetings between these sides have been won by the home side on the day and Wales will hope that’s a good omen as they look to bounce back from defeat in France.
Despite the result, there were some encouraging individual displays – particularly in the back row, where captain Siwan Lillicrap (12.7 stars) and Manon Johnes (11.1 stars) carried hard and impressed at the breakdown.
Those looking for value on the wing should consider Lisa Neumann (12.8 stars), who looked impressive against France and will hope to see more of the ball this weekend, while full-back Robyn Wilkins (10.6 stars) is earning her 50th cap.
Ireland also have some gifted back-three options to add into the mix, including wing Beibhinn Parsons (15 stars), who opened the scoring against Wales when the sides met last year.
There is also plenty of excitement around returning full-back Eimear Considine, priced at 14.0 stars, with Ireland head coach Adam Griggs hoping her side give the No.15 plenty of opportunities to show what she can do with ball in hand.
In the pack, Cliodhna Moloney (10.0 stars) is a try-scoring option at hooker while all-action back-rower Dorothy Wall (11.5 stars) is sure to score well.
