The opening weekend of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations is just days away, meaning it’s time to get your Fantasy Rugby XV selected ahead of Round 1.
The 2022 Guinness Six Nations Fantasy Rugby game has launched, and fans across all six countries are having their say on who does or doesn’t deserve a place in their squad.
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This will be one of the most competitive Championships in living memory, and it may be difficult to decide between certain players, but don’t panic because we’re here to talk you through the best value players from each squad.
ENGLAND
After such an impressive string of performances in the Autumn Nations Series, it was surprising to see full-back Freddie Steward valued at just 13.0 stars.
The 21-year-old giant has already proven that he is a formidable attacking force with his superb displays, particularly against Australia, where he beat Kurtley Beale to score his debut try.
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It very much feels like this could be the Championship where Steward grabs the No.15 jersey and makes it his own, so make the most of his cheap price while you still can ahead of the opening round.
In fact, while he is expected to be one of the first names on Eddie Jones’ team sheet following his November performances, his is valued at the same price as second-choice George Furbank.
Another player that you can put in your team for the affordable price of 13.0 stars is Exeter Chiefs hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, who is always an attacking threat even if he isn’t guaranteed to start.
FRANCE
France have some of the highest value players in this year’s Championship, with the half-back combo of Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont valued at 17.0 and 19.0, respectively.
But there are some excellent deals out there, and few are better than winger Damian Penaud, who looks to be entering his prime heading into this year’s Championship.
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The 25-year-old Clermont winger may be pretty pricey at 15.0, but he could be about to star in this year’s Guinness Six Nations after building a reputation as one of its most consistent performers over the last five years.
With seven tries in ten Tests in 2021 – including three in last year’s Championship – an incredible record in defence and such prowess underneath the high ball, there is no reason not to put the Frenchman in your side.
Another option is 22-year-old full-back Melvyn Jaminet, who is valued at 12.0 stars and was one of Les Bleus surprise packages during their flawless Autumn Nations Series campaign.
IRELAND
Jordan Larmour could play at wing or full-back for Ireland in the Championship.
The versatile back burst onto the scene with some outstanding performances ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and now he’s ready to make the Guinness Six Nations his own.
At 12.0, fans can get Larmour in their team, guarantee themselves a top-quality try scorer and save some money for a bigger name player elsewhere.
Furthermore, his try-scoring record is impressive, having crossed the whitewash seven times in 30 appearances on the international stage.
Elsewhere in the Ireland squad, you can have scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park in your fantasy team for just 12.0 stars, while Andrew Porter is a steal at the same price for a prop who can play both loosehead and tighthead.
ITALY
At just 12.0 stars, Paolo Garbisi is probably the best value fly-half in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations Fantasy Rugby game.
The Italian maestro has consistently proven that he can both make his team tick and do something special on his own.
He’s still only 21-years-old and has plenty of room to improve, but even now at this early stage in his career, fans of all six competing countries can see that this youngster has something unique.
Garbisi signed for Montpellier last summer, with Kieran Crowley confident the move has made him even better, and has scored 159 points across 26 appearances since making his international debut.
SCOTLAND
Fans of Scottish rugby are incredibly excited about young centre Cameron Redpath.
The 22-year-old Bath Rugby prodigy has turned his club’s season around since returning from injury, starring in their win against Harlequins.
And now he’ll get the opportunity to star for the Tartan Army once again, having not played at international level since helping Scotland beat England at Twickenham for the first time since 1983 last year.
Valued at 12.0, Redpath offers incredible value for money, and fans just need to be brave enough to back him to be back to full fitness come the start of the Championshhip.
And he’s part of a Scotland squad filled with exciting players at an affordable price, including Rory Hutchinson at 12.0 and the best scrum-half in last year’s competition Ali Price at 13.0.
WALES
Despite being considered one of the best props in world rugby, Wyn Jones is still being valued at a surprisingly low price.
At 13.0, you could put Wyn Jones in your team and then use the remaining cash elsewhere.
In the 29-year-old prop, you’d get an experienced operator who is unlikely to do anything stupid and who has consistently proven he can turn his weaknesses into his strengths.
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For that reason alone, Guinness Six Nations Fantasy Rugby players should consider having Jones in their team.
He is far from the only bargain option in the defending champions’ squad, though, with lock Adam Beard (13.0 stars), Ellis Jenkins (10.0) and Taine Basham (11.0) also presenting good value.
