Rugby
Six Nations Fantasy Rugby Guide; Round 5
The last round of fixtures is here and with the championship up for grabs still so is the title of this year’s fantasy rugby
The final round of Six Nations fixtures is upon us and with it the conclusion of this year’s fantasy rugby.
Here are the players you might want to consider for a final charge in your respective leagues and hopefully you can improve your current standings.
The first game on Saturday sees Italy host France in a game that could go anyway. The Azzurri showed signs of improvement in the opening three rounds only to collapse against a rampant English side.
However, this could be their best chance at ending their record losing streak. If they are to end the tournament on a high their half-back partnership of Tomasso Allan, 10.7 stars, and Tito Tebaldi, 8.5 stars, will be crucial.
On the wing Edoardo Padovani, 10.4 stars, could be a low-cost option to consider. In the pack Braam Steyn, 9.7 stars, has been impressive in all his matches and not only makes lots of tackles but gains a huge amount of metres.
Another man to watch out for is captain Sergio Parisse, 10.3 stars, who always puts in a shift and it could be his last Six Nations match meaning he will want to end with a rare win in blue.
? #Italrugby: la formazione in campo sabato con la Francia, per l'ultimo match degli Azzurri nel @SixNationsRugby 2019 ➡ https://t.co/YvAEWMPEKn#insieme #rugbypassioneitaliana @SeiNazioniRugby pic.twitter.com/eRKjI9vWCR
— Italrugby (@Federugby) March 14, 2019
On the French side, it is a hard call of who to pick after they put in such mixed performances against Scotland and Ireland in the last two rounds.
Romain Ntamack, 13.1 stars, continues at 10 and will be looking to seal his place in the team in Rome ahead of the World Cup later this year. Also, in the back-line is Wesley Fofana, 12 stars, who has been handed the chance to impress, and with such natural talent, he could tear the Italian defence up.
In the pack Yacoba Camara is a cheap option at only 8.6 stars, and usually puts in a good showing. Alongside him are Greg Alldritt, 12 stars, and Louis Picamoles, 14.3 stars, both of which have played well throughout the tournament despite the team’s poor performances.
???? Dernier match samedi à 13:30 au Stadio Olimpico de Rome pour votre #XVdeFrance ! Allez les Bleus ! #ITAFRA ! #NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/IbHETdcWzM
— Fédération Française de Rugby (@FFRugby) March 14, 2019
The second game of the day could be the clash of the competition as Grand Slam chasing Wales welcome a revived Ireland to Cardiff.
The Welsh defence will need to be at the top of their game as Ireland will look to score tries in an attempt to boost their slim title hopes.
With that in mind, captain Alun Wyn Jones, Josh Navidi, both 15.7 stars, and Justin Tipuric, 15 stars, are all certain to rack up points for their defensive displays and all are prone to pop up with a try when needed.
In the back-line Jonathan Davies, 16 stars, has had a brilliant tournament both in defence and attack, while George North, 17.1 stars, will offer the Welsh a threat going forward as always.
TEAM NEWS ??????? Unbeaten Wales name unchanged squad for final 2019 #GuinnessSixNations encounter against @IrishRugby on Saturday. Dim newid i'r garfan am y 50fed gêm Chwe Gwlad Warren Gatland fel prif hyfforddwr Cymru.#HWFN #ForTheJersey pic.twitter.com/hB5pdUlrP9
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 14, 2019
Ireland will need their big men to stand up once more, with CJ Stander, 15 stars, and James Ryan, 14.4 stars, hoping to lead from the front as they did last weekend with their tackle counts and carries.
Johnny Sexton, 15.9 stars, hit form again against Les Blues and will need to be at the top of his game again for the visitors. Garry Ringrose, 14.9 stars, offered the Irish a spark they had been missing and is always a man that gains a team points with his overall skill-set.
Jacob Stockdale, 17.5 stars, has been a lot quieter this year than last, but has showed signs that he could explode onto the scene once more and could be worth a gamble.
Here's the Ireland team for the final round of the @SixNationsRugby Championship.#TeamOfUs #WALvIRE #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/Y1KZDYfb7Y
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 14, 2019
The final showdown of the competition takes place at Twickenham, where England will know by then if they can still win the title or not against the Scots. Either way, Eddie Jones will want his men to put in another solid display as they did when they hosted Italy.
Jonny May, 18.5 stars, is the most expensive player in the game but could pop up with a couple of tries to ensure he finishes this year’s top try scorer.
Helping him in the back-line will be Manu Tuilagi, 16.8 stars, captain Owen Farrell, 17.4 stars, and the recalled Jack Nowell, 14.1 stars, who will all want to lay down markers against a weakened Scotland team.
Mark Wilson, 13.8 stars, is a cheaper option in the English pack and is improving with every game in a Red Roses shirt.
Your England team to face @Scotlandteam on Saturday in the #GuinnessSixNations
Full preview ➡ https://t.co/JhFUWgmbgF#ENGvSCO #CarryThemHome ? pic.twitter.com/sL014nXlRT
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 14, 2019
Scotland have been very unfortunate throughout the tournament but still pushed Wales all the way last weekend. That was partially down to Hamish Watson’s, 14 stars, incredible display off the bench, although this week he starts, and young Darcy Graham’s, 11.1 stars, crucial try.
Other men to consider are the ever-dangerous, Finn Russell, 13.7 stars, Sam Johnson, 11.5 stars, and Sean Maitland, 11.8 stars, who comes in at full-back this weekend.
BREAKING | Scotland make six changes to starting team to face England in this Saturday’s final Guinness Six Nations Test at Twickenham Stadium (16 March) – live on ITV.
3️⃣⬆️ Forwards: Toolis, Watson, Skinner
3️⃣⬆️ Backs: Maitland, McGuigan, Johnson pic.twitter.com/hHrWScXAvG— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 14, 2019
In the super-sub department, England’s George Ford, 15.7 stars, and Scotland’s Jonny Gray, 12.1 stars, will have massive impacts from the replacements.
While Camille Chat of France, 12.4 stars, and Alessandro Zanni of Italy, 9.4 stars, will hope to do the same.
In the big game, Wales’ Dan Biggar, 16 stars, is pricy but could be the key weapon off the bench if they are to secure victory, while Jack Conan, 13.6 stars, has been a constant threat to team’s when used and will surely be unleashed when the home side start to tire.
So, that’s it, the end is here for another year, who will be crowned Six Nations champions 2019? Will Italy end their losing streak? All will be revealed tomorrow and hopefully whatever happens your fantasy team will benefit when it’s all over.
The All Blacks are not underestimating the challenge of facing Argentina in Mendoza and would look to do the simple things right in front of a hostile crowd said first five-eighths Richie Mo’unga, ahead of the opening Lipovitan-D Test against Argentina on Sunday morning (NZT).
Argentina’s confidence would be high: they beat the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time last year, beat England at Twickenham, and put 50 points on Australia in one of their Tests.
He said they were worthy rivals and definite contenders both for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
“Playing Argentina in Argentina, and in Mendoza, could be considered in the same light as playing South Africa at Ellis Park. This is a rugby city, the Argentinians are pumped to be playing here and they deserve all the respect they get.”
Mo’unga said the atmosphere in Argentina was akin to that for football with plenty of passion, and that was more the case in Mendoza, a rugby city where the crowd at games could be hostile in their support of their side.
“You can get caught out if you haven’t played here before or understand what it means to them to play in a city like Mendoza against the All Blacks.”
While they loved their rugby, they also loved the All Blacks, and they received a warm welcome upon their arrival.
Argentine first five-eighths Nicolas Sanchez was rated highly by Mo’unga. He was a fine goal-kicker but underrated by many. But with improving stocks in the position, he was sure whoever was selected would thrive because of the speed and physicality in their forwards and the flair of the backs, which was always dangerous.
While Argentina had lost contact with New Zealand sides with the changes to Super Rugby and the loss of the Jaguares, Mo’unga said they were still playing top rugby in sides in Europe and were bringing that back to their Test preparations, which would help them.
“Whenever you play the Argentinians you expect the best Argentinian side and that’s what you should do. You give them more respect. And they’ll be fizzed for it because they will be playing in Argentina against the All Blacks.
While the All Blacks could see how players performed individually through video analysis, they could also reflect on how they did things in the past, which was relevant because the same coaching personnel were still involved.
“You assume things, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to get, it so you have a plan. But sometimes you’ve got to play heads up footy too, and I’m sure we’ll get both cases this week – getting what we assume but them showing some things that are a little different, and we’ve got to be prepared for that as well.”
MATCH DETAILS: All Blacks v Argentina, Sunday July 9, 7.10am NZT, Estadio Malvinas, Mendoza, Argentina. Live on Sky Sport NZ.
Vern Cotter is the new Head Coach of the Blues, signed on a two-year deal placing him at the Blues helm through until the end of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby season.
Cotter, who starts with the Blues this week, will be joined by new Assistant Coach, Jason O’Halloran, also on a two-year deal, working alongside members of the existing Blues coaching team.
Cotter is an experienced Head Coach at both domestic and international level and was most recently Head Coach of Fiji from 2020-22.
He was also Head Coach of Scotland from 2014-2017 – where he joined forces with O’Halloran – the pair taking the team from tenth to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings and credited with having a strong impact on the culture and performance of the team.
Cotter said he is both honoured and enthused to be named Head Coach of the Blues.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the entire Blues organisation for putting their trust in me,” said Cotter.
“I’ve watched this club thrive in recent years and I’m excited by the challenge of taking them forward and building on what is a very strong base.”
“It’s great to have Jason joining me at the Blues. Since our time in Scotland we’ve remained firm friends and often pick up the phone to discuss current trends in the game – I know he’ll add real value to an already strong coaching team.”
Cotter has a history of success, under his guidance European club side Clermont Auvergne reached lofty heights, making three Grand Finals before winning the coveted French Top 14 title in 2010 – the first title in the club’s history. The team also won a European Challenge Cup under Cotter’s guidance in 2006.
He said his experiences overseas can help in taking the Blues forward.
“When you take a new role it’s important to acknowledge what’s been going well for a team, while constructively challenging aspects you feel could improve. I think I can add fresh thinking, informed by my broad and varied coaching experiences to date.”
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the Blues and I’m energised to be back in New Zealand coaching at Super Rugby level.”
Blues Chairman Don Mackinnon said Cotter’s vast experience, partnership with O’Halloran and history of winning were key factors in bringing him to the Blues.
“We’ve been in communication with Vern for a while now and what shone through in our conversations was his desire to drive the club forward while building on the strong culture we’ve developed at the Blues over the last few years. He’s an experienced and driven coach, has a history of success and I believe is the right fit for the role.
“Vern and Jason have proven they work well together, and we believe the pair will provide some fresh thinking and energy to take the club forward.
“We’re really happy with our coaching mix for 2024 and beyond and believe Vern is the right man to set the direction for our coaching group and continue the development of some excellent younger coaches.”
Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, was equally impressed by the latest additions to the coaching group.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both Vern and Jason to our team. We feel they will fit seamlessly into our coaching group and wider business,” said Hore.
Those thoughts were echoed by New Zealand Rugby Manager, Professional Rugby, Simon Simmers.
“Vern’s appointment is a great example of our home-grown coaching talent gaining valuable experience offshore, before returning to New Zealand to continue their contribution to the development of our people and competitions.
“Vern’s coached internationally at Rugby World Cups and knows what it takes to win titles in Europe. He will bring all those insights and knowledge back to the Blues and Super Rugby Pacific. It’s great to have Vern home.”
Former Gloucester full-back Jason Woodward joins Sale Sharks ahead of 2022/23 Premiership season
Sale Sharks have signed versatile full-back Jason Woodward on a one-year deal ahead of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season.
The former Bristol Bears and Gloucester man, who can also play on the wing and in the centre, put pen to paper today and will join Alex Sanderson’s squad ahead of their opening pre-season clash against Caldy RFC on August 19.
Jason signed for Bristol from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in 2016, before joining Gloucester the following year after Bristol’s relegation from the Premiership. He went on to make made 67 appearances and score 90 points for the Cherry and Whites.
The 32-year-old represented New Zealand at U20 level but qualifies for England through his grandmother and was called into a training camp by Eddie Jones in 2017.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “After speaking with Jason it was clear he was still motivated to perform at the highest level, and he was keen for a move North to join the Sharks.
“Jason is a proven Premiership performer who will add a great deal of quality and experience to what is a young squad here.
“He has the ability to play in a number of positions and that’s a massive bonus for us with such a busy schedule ahead.
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