Super Saturday is almost here as the 2022 Guinness Six Nations reaches its blockbuster finale and time is running out to select your final Fantasy Rugby team of the Championship.
France head into the final weekend chasing their first Grand Slam in 12 years, with Ireland hoping that England will spoil the Parisian party if they can also defeat Scotland in Dublin.
Meanwhile, before the battle for the title is decided later in the day, Round 5 opens up with Wales taking on Italy as Wayne Pivac’s men look to end their Championship defence on a high.
And as you contemplate those final changes to your Fantasy Rugby team ahead of Saturday’s 2.15pm kick-off, here are six recommendations for players who you should have in the backs.
Louis Rees-Zammit (14.6 stars)
It’s no surprise that Louis Rees-Zammit is currently the final round’s most popular pick as Wales prepare to welcome Italy to Cardiff for their final Guinness Six Nations match on Saturday.
The winger was dropped by Pivac for the game against England before starting on the bench against France, but he is recalled to the starting line-up for clash with the Azzurri.
With Italy yet to win in the 2022 Championship, and having conceded five tries against Scotland in their 33-22 defeat, Rees-Zammit will fancy his chances against the away side’s defence.
Marcus Smith (18.4 stars)
A pricey option for Fantasy Rugby players but as the leading Championship point scorer so far, Marcus Smith is also a pretty safe bet when it comes to racking up the points.
Eddie Jones’ men travel to France in the final game on Super Saturday as Les Bleus chase the Grand Slam so Smith faces perhaps his toughest international test to date.
But as he showed with his 15-point display in the defeat to Ireland last time out, the 23-year-old has the temperament for the big occasion and he will be key for England again in Paris.
James Lowe (17.5 stars)
Having missed the opening two rounds of action, James Lowe has been nothing short of sensational for Ireland – and Fantasy Rugby players – in the last two rounds.
The winger picked up 89.4 points for his display against Italy as his brace helped Ireland to a 57-6 win before collecting another 109.1 points for his try-scoring contribution against England.
With 323 metres carried, seven tackle breaks and three tries from just two games, Lowe seems destined to score big again as Ireland look to keep their title hopes alive against Scotland.
Jonathan Danty (15.3 stars)
Another player who has featured in the Fantasy Rugby Team of the Week in both Round 3 and 4, centre Jonathan Danty has been integral to France’s Grand Slam bid so far.
He picked up 67.7 points for Fantasy Rugby players in Round 3 for his performance in France’s 36-17 win over Scotland before adding another 45.5 points in the victory over Wales.
A battering ram in both attack and defence, Danty has carried for 170 metres, made seven tackle breaks and scored a try in his three games so far and could cause England all sorts of problems.
Ali Price (14.9 stars)
Scotland had three backline players in the Fantasy Rugby Team of the Week for Round 4, with Ali Price joined by captain Stuart Hogg and centre Chris Harris for their displays in Rome.
And while title-chasing Ireland are likely to provide an even sterner test than Italy did last time out, Price appears to be hitting form at just the right time for Fantasy Rugby players.
The scrum-half contributed to four of Scotland’s five tries against the Azzurri as he earned 87.9 points and as a cheaper option than Hogg (19.9), he would be a very sensible pick.
Ange Capuozzo (12.1 stars)
One of two changes Italy have made to their team to face Wales, it’s easy to see why Kieran Crowley has drafted in Ange Capuozzo for their Championship finale.
The 22-year-old Grenoble full-back enjoyed a sensational debut off the bench against Scotland in Round 4, scoring two tries as Italy launched a second-half fightback in Rome.
Favoured ahead of Pierre Bruno – with Edoardo Padovani shifting to the wing – Capuozzo looks to be an exciting option for Crowley and for Fantasy Rugby players willing to take the risk.
