Round 3 is now here and it is time to finalise your transfers in Guinness Six Nations Fantasy Rugby 2023.
There is plenty of time to either catch up with or extend your advantage from the rest of your friends and family and be crowned your league’s champion for the year.
One of the best ways of doing so is to include a selection of differential picks – low owned players who can earn you points that few others will gain.
But finding the best ones can be tricky but here are three players we think could be great additions to any squad.
Ross Byrne (Ireland – Fly-Half – 11.4 stars)
It may appear bold to go against Finn Russell after the performance he put in against Wales in Round 2, but Ross Byrne could be the man to outscore Russell at fly-half this week.
Named to start for Ireland in place of the injured Johnny Sexton, Byrne could be a sensational low-budget, low owned option to give your team a serious boost.
Capable of taking the ball right up to the line, Byrne has shown glimpses already in his two cameo appearances of the bench that he can make Ireland tick in much the same way Sexton does.
In just 44 minutes on the field, he has made 21 metres from only two carries, breaking two tackles in the process, and against an Italy side that Ireland have enjoyed playing over the years, he could cause them serious problems.
Byrne will also be taking on kicking duties, essentially guaranteeing him some points, and his ceiling is incredibly high, at a cost of just 11.4 stars, which makes him someone to seriously consider.
Ethan Dumortier (France – Centre – 12.3 stars)
Dumortier has been excellent in both of France’s opening two matches so far, scoring on debut against Italy, before an incredible run against Ireland a week later.
He is one of the out of position players (players playing in a different position to how they are listed in the game), with Dumortier starting both matches for France on the left wing.
That allows you to maximise your back three players in the squad, essentially including four in your starting XV with the inclusion of the Lyon winger.
Dumortier is the top scorer in the Top 14 this season and you can see why, with serious speed, excellent hands and deceptive power – as shown by that run in Dublin.
He has now made 110 metres from just 14 carries and broken through 14 tackles, the fourth most in the Championship, behind Damian Penaud, Ange Capuozzo and Duhan van der Merwe.
That has led to three line-breaks (seven points each) and as he gets further embedded in the team, he is only going to become more dangerous and get more opportunities.
At 12.3 stars, he represents serious value and can certainly be a player to help you rise up the ranks.
Jack Willis (England – Back Row – 12.4 stars)
England’s Jack Willis had a game to remember against Italy in Round 2, scoring 66.7 points in just 52 minutes of action, and he is again named to start as England head to Cardiff with the aim of a first win since 2017.
His performance at Twickenham was simply outstanding, scoring a try, making 21 tackles, and winning a trademark turnover, all in little over a half’s action.
These are not statistics that are uncommon for him. He is consistently excellent at the breakdown and you can guarantee points from him for his defensive ability even if he may not always be a try scorer.
At only 12.4 stars, Willis is a man who can earn you points for very little in a position occupied by heavy hitters such as Gregory Alldritt, Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier and should certainly be considered for a place in your team this weekend.
