Fantasy Rugby points will once again be up for grabs as the 2021 Women’s Six Nations pool stage comes to a close on Saturday, with two mouth-watering contests in store.
The action unfolds in Dublin as Ireland host France in a winner-takes-all clash in Pool B, with members of both sides eager to provide the moment of magic that could fire their nation into the Championship showpiece.
Les Bleues sat out Round 2 following their impressive 53-0 win over Wales on the opening weekend, but Adam Griggs’ two-time winners signalled their own intentions for Six Nations glory with a 45-0 triumph in Cardiff last time out.
England confirmed their place at the top of Pool A with a Round 2, 67-3 win over Italy, and the Azzurre will look to claim second place ahead of Scotland when the teams lock horns in Saturday’s later kick-off.
But which players will earn you Fantasy Rugby points? To help with your selection headaches, here are four backs we reckon should find their way into your XV’s…
Eimear Considine (Ireland) – 16.9 stars
Having been forced to sit out the first round of this year’s Championship Ireland wasted no time in showcasing their credentials in the Welsh capital last weekend, and full-back Eimear Considine was central to a stunning first-half display.
The 29-year-old – who failed to score a try in 144 minutes of 2020 Six Nations action – helped herself to two within the first 18 minutes of this year’s campaign, including the game’s first score in the opening moments.
Alongside her potency in the point-scoring ranks the Munster flyer made two tackles and 61 metres, while breaking five challenges to conjure up a Fantasy score of 91.69 points.
Though one of Ireland’s more expensive options Considine is a safe bet to get you points on the board, and with a place in the final at stake against France you can be sure she will be determined to maintain her fine form in Round 3.
Caroline Boujard (France) – 18.4 stars
After her stellar Round 1 performance, mazy France winger Caroline Boujard simply cannot be ignored when you’re putting together your Fantasy Rugby team for Round 3.
The 27-year-old blew Wales away in their Women’s Six Nations curtain-raiser with three tries in the opening quarter at the Stade de la Rabine, a hat-trick that is believed to be the joint fastest in Women’s Six Nations history.
Such a performance – which also featured six tackle breaks and 133 metres made – yielded a huge Fantasy score of 138.4 points, leaving her among the most expensive picks going into the weekend.
But with 26 Championship appearances to her name and the 2018 Grand Slam under her belt, it would take a brave person to bet against her being at the heart of France’s push for a place in Super Saturday’s final.
Helen Nelson (Scotland) – 14.3 stars
Though the most expensive option among Scotland’s ranks, stalwart Helen Nelson – who will wear the captain’s armband in Round 3 – could prove a shrewd purchase at a fraction of the price of some of her Women’s Six Nations counterparts.
The former alpine skier has shifted across to centre after showing a glimmer of her potential at fly-half in Round 1, contributing five points from the tee as Scotland went down 52-10 to England in Doncaster.
Alongside the penalty and conversion she kicked, Nelson made 66 metres and 11 carries to earn 21.8 Fantasy Rugby points, and suggest she could be the magic touch in Bryan Easson’s side on Saturday.
Indeed, the 26-year-old managed to make her presence known during a heavy defeat to England, and with Scotland likely to fancy their chances against Italy there is plenty to suggest her points tally will skyrocket.
Manuela Furlan (Italy) – 13.6 stars
Although among Italy’s more expensive options Manuela Furlan stills represents good value at 13.6 stars, with the experienced skipper ready to help Italy build on a positive first half against England when they take on Scotland in Round 3.
Furlan was due to start on the wing against the Red Roses but an injury to Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi led to a reshuffled backline, with the captain moving to full-back where she picked up 8.1 points.
While she made 97 metres and broke three tackles, Furlan is likely to see even more of the ball in her side’s second clash, with a spot in the 3rd/4th place play-off at stake.
