Round 4 of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations promises a thrilling weekend of rugby with Wales hosting France, Italy taking on Scotland and England taking on Ireland.
And while the race to win Rugby’s Greatest Championship is nearing its climax, there is also the matter of getting as many Guinness Six Nations Fantasy Rugby points as possible to contend with.
With just two rounds to go, time is running out to win your leagues and claim bragging rights over your friends and family – with several key choices to make over the coming two weekends.
Here, we look at six forwards that you should consider including ahead of Round 4 action.
Adam Beard (Wales)
It has been a bumpy campaign for Wales so far, with a win against Scotland at Principality Stadium sandwiched in between defeats on the road to Ireland and England.
However, Adam Beard has been one of the standout players for the defending Guinness Six Nations champions in all three matches and is always an incredibly reliable performer for his country.
The lock has been key for Wales’ defence in this year’s Guinness Six Nations and he will likely make several key tackles in Cardiff against France on Friday night, meaning he is a strong choice for your XV.
Cyril Baille (France)
Cyril Baille has been a mainstay of France’s squad for six years now and has started the Championship superbly, notably scoring just a second international try in the 30-24 win over Ireland.
The loosehead prop has performed well in all three of France’s matches this Guinness Six Nations and will be key for their chances of continuing their Grand Slam quest against Wales in Round 4.
Baille may have his work cut out at times but he is a reliable performer, strong in the scrum and as ball-carrier, meaning he could well be a significant point-scorer should he feature in your team.
Michele Lamaro (Italy)
Michele Lamaro has impressively led Italy this Championship with a string of impressive individual displays in matches against France, England and Ireland.
The 23-year-old has done an admirable job captaining his country and has been a tackling machine – with 59 tackles after three rounds – proving to be one of Italy’s strongest performers in the opening three rounds.
Returning to home soil in Rome, Lamaro will be ready for a big display against Scotland and with his tackling ability he is certainly worth considering when it comes to choosing players in the next few days.
Rory Darge (Scotland)
Well-deserved praise was heaped on Rory Darge after a scintillating display in his first international start for Scotland, despite the Round 3 defeat to France.
Darge caused repeated issues for France, making several key tackles and turnovers and scoring a first-half try in what was a strong introduction to the international game.
The 22-year-old is likely to feature heavily again in this weekend’s match against Italy, and after performing so well against France he could bring home a large number of Fantasy points in Round 4.
Jamie George (England)
With Luke Cowan-Dickie ruled out of the rest of the Championship, Eddie Jones will turn to trusted Lieutenant Jamie George and the Saracens hooker would be a good bet for your Fantasy team as well.
George is one of the most experienced players in the England squad and all that know-how will come in handy with a tough, decisive test against Ireland at Twickenham this weekend.
A strong scrummager and tackler – who also scored a brace of tries against Italy in Round 2 – George will be in the thick of the action and could be a strong point scorer in your Fantasy Rugby XV.
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Tadhg Furlong has been an integral part of Ireland’s set-up for a number of years now, and has once again been a star performer for Andy Farrell’s men in this Guinness Six Nations.
Unsurprisingly, Furlong has been rock solid in his side’s defence and in particular put in a commanding display in the opening Round 1 victory against Wales.
Ireland will be tested against England on Saturday but there will be plenty of opportunities for the prop to demonstrate his defensive prowess, as well as his dancing feet, to help you pick up plenty of Fantasy points.
