It's Back: The 2016 Guide To Super Rugby #FantsBants

Updated for 2016:

The #FantsBants leagues get bigger and more competitive every year. Here's hoping that this year is no different.

Following Super Rugby will not only entertain you, and get you excited for the World Cup; it will also give you a chance to build your knowledge about some of the best and upcoming players in the World.

Super Rugby Fantasy is an easy way to maintain your interest.

This year, the site has slightly changed. It takes a while to get used to, but overall it's improved. Here are the new updated points systems:

To join in simply, log onto the site at this link, and then you will need to join the group here. Please let me know on twitter (@BHHooker) that you've joined, so I can keep track and make sure you are participating in the "bants". Yeah I hate myself for saying that too. 

Humourous #fantsbants participants may get a follow. #Blackmail

The code is HRNJ5TMZ

Here's the 2014 "First Timer's Guide To Fantasy Super Rugby"

Tired of a boring Irish Times fantasy rugby that only rewards tries and man of the match performances? Are you already too far ahead or behind your competitors and seeking a new challenge? Super Rugby is starting soon, and the fantasy competition provided by foxsports.com.au is one of the best I've ever seen. Thinking of having a go? Here are some tips for the first time fantasy rugby player.

Look at the Rules first

(Provided below) Each fantasy competition is different, some reward points for tries and wins, others go into more detail. This is one of those competition. You wouldn't pick a world XV in a fantasy team geared towards tries, just like you don't pick a fantasy team solely to get tries for this fantasy.

Work Rate is key

Players who work hard, who make lots of tackles and lots of runs, the points add up quickly and are worthy additions to your team. Northern Hemisphere equivalents could be Courtney Lawes, Dan Lydiate or Theirry Dusautoir, players who work hard but never score tries. These players would consistently bring points.

Avoid Centres and Scrumhalves

Centres and Scrumhalves are traditionally the lowest scoring positions in the competition. Don't waste valuable budget money on getting expensive ones. Best served elsewhere

Players who play out of position

Players like Steven Luatua two years ago, who was down as a lock, but played as a blindside flanker, earned huge points as a second row. There is usually one player who plays several positions, and different positions generally give more points.

Pick Players who actually play

Crucial. The biggest problem for team owners is managing the schedule. Not every team plays every week. Plus the comp is long; at 16 weeks plus finals, players will be rotated in and out. You have to make sure that you have 15 guys earning you points every single week. Look ahead at the fixture list and try to avoid obvious conflicts early.

Also beware of picking the big stars, especially in New Zealand. Do you really want to pick Richie McCaw or Kieran Read when they’re likely to be put in cotton wool at the slightest hint of injury? Instead that money might be better spent on someone like Michael Hooper, who will play 80 minutes nearly all season long. Similarly, I’d be pretty wary about picking either Bernard Foley or Kurtley Beale until you get some sense of who’s going to be starting; you’d have to doubt that either of them will be playing a full match every week just at the moment.

Don't avoid weak teams

This competition is ultra competitive, that just because a team is miles down the table doesn't mean they don't have fantasy gems. Ben Smith was a banker last season for the underperforming Highlanders, while Ged Robinson gained huge points playing for the Rebels. (Robinson has since left the Rebels).

Value over Replacement

While Israel Folau is nearly guaranteed to get you mega points, it'll definitely cost you mega bucks. It might be worth going for someone less expensive who could still rake in the points. Some positions have more points depth than others. It's all about what works for you.

Super Rugby Review Round 2: So Sharpe

It may say Round 2, but last week was the first proper week of Super Rugby. With all countries finally up and running, and 14 of the 15 teams having played at least one game, we are back in business.

And what a weekend. The early morning games between the Chiefs and Crusaders, and the Blues and Highlanders were two of the most entertaining games of the year. The Chiefs laid down a marker that it'll take a special team to deny them from a historic threepeat, while the Highlanders threatened to show that their season will be vastly improved from last year.

In other games, the Brumbies showed that the loss of Jake White will hamper them this season, losing to the Reds in a game that you sense would have gone their way last year; Israel Folau showed that he can get even better than last season with a fantastic performance. While the Lions shocked everyone (again) with another victory against a lacklustre Stormers team.

Some talented players have been introduced to us, with Marnitz Boshoff, Alofa Alofa, Kane Hames and Patrick Tuipulotu and Malakai Fekitoa showing that they have promising careers ahead of them.


In the fantasy leagues; Nathan Sharpe not only distanced himself from everyone, but is in the top 10 overall. Challenge extended.

All players had good results, with 2011, 2012 and 2013 Head to Head champion Cillian Hogan bringing himself back into the fold with a big score of 384 points. Other big scores came from Simon Farrell, William Kedjanyi and Calum Gilon improving their totals.

The head to head league had some interesting results, with Alex Shaw proving that he is 21 points better than average, and a number of matchs having both players with over 300 points.

Notable matchups next week include Alex Shaw v Garbhan Hogan, and Calum Gillon getting his chance to prove that he is better than normal.

Round 3 Teams: 

Best of luck to everyone, let the trash talk begin.

Super Rugby Review Round 1

It's back and bigger and better than ever before. Yes, the fantasy competition has finally kicked off after days of questionable marketing, this year's competition promises to be the most competitive, banterful and best yet. Oh, and the rugby wasn't too bad.

Cheetahs 20-21 Lions

The re-instated Lions are not expected to do much in this year's competition. Up until the 60th minute in this tie, they weren't expected to do much at all. Elgar Watts came on for the Cheetahs, and between some terrible placekicking and some basic errors, a long drop goal from 20 year old debutante Marnite Boshoff gave the Lions an unexpected win. The majority of their good play rested on the shoulders of their backrow, with Jaco Kriel carrying very well and Derek Minnie and Warren Whitely also performing well. In the backs, Lionel Mapoe gives Boshoff and outlet, and all five along with Springbok Franco van der Merwe will need big seasons in order to beat the performances of the Kings last season. It's hard to say what went wrong for the Cheetahs, with the backline looking impressive. Willie le Roux pulled the strings and created tries for both wingers. The pack needs to up it another gear to get back to last seasons form, while another game could iron out some of the mistakes that crept in. Johan Goosen finally got through a game, and his fitness will be vital to the Cheetahs playoff hopes.

Sharks 31-16 Bulls

Last season's Currie Cup was confirmation that with the unprecedented volume of departures from Loftus Versfeld, that the Bulls will struggle this season. The young team did well to stay competitive and in the game for as long as they did, but Pat Lambie's last minute try puts some gloss on the performance and gave the "Shorks" all five match points. For the "Shorks", it was a perfect opening to life under Jake White, and they will be hoping that Pat Lambie kicks on now that he has been given a position to make his own.

Dream Team

1. Julian Redelinghuys 22 LIONS
2. Adriaan Strauss 39 Cheetahs
3. Tendai Mtwararira 20 "SHORKS"
4. Franco van der Merwe 19 LIONS
5. Flip van der Merwe 15 BULLS
6. Marcell Coetzee 37 "SHORKS"
7. Lappies Labuschagne 31 CHEETAHS
8. Philip van der Walt 29 CHEETAHS
9. Cobus Reinach 30 "SHORKS"
10. Pat Lambie 44 "SHORKS"
11. Lwazi Mvovo 31 "SHORKS"
12. Francois Venter 22 CHEETAHS
13. Paul Jordaan 37 "SHORKS"
14. Cornal Hendricks 32 CHEETAHS
15. Willie le Roux 31 "CHEETAHS"

An intriguing dream team selection so far, with try scorers dominating the backline although creator Willie le Roux sneaks in ahead of Raymond Rhule. Workhorses feature in the pack, with Coetzee's 15 tackles earning him a lot of points, and the unheard of Julian Redelinghuys earning Football Manager gem status by not putting a foot wrong in earning the top prop spot for the week. With the rest of the competition starting this week, managers have to balance their teams carefully. A long way to go.

TwitterFight

A number of people have asked if it's too late to enter. A look at the table below will tell you. Places 3rd to 19th are still wide open. And the players in the head to head, but not classic can join the classic league with their current team and points too.

New entries here

Head to Head

Some intriguing fixtures thrown up already, with last year's champion falling to Alex Shaw sport (@alexshawsport), can he make it two in a row next week by proving he is better than average? While Cillian Hogan's Poseidon's Belvedere will be in "the trenches" with the competition leader.

A look at the table shows the beauty of head to head, with Northern Stereotype in 11th with 48 points ahead of DJ's army with 267 points in 12th possy.

The week is sure to be full of boasting, name calling and the occasional cry in the bathroom as #fantsbants moves to Round 2.

First Timer's Guide to Fantasy Super Rugby

Tired of a boring Irish Times fantasy rugby that only rewards tries and man of the match performances? Are you already too far ahead or behind your competitors and seeking a new challenge? Super Rugby is starting soon, and the fantasy competition provided by foxsports.com.au is one of the best I've ever seen. Thinking of having a go? Here are some tips for the first time fantasy rugby player.

Look at the Rules first

(Provided below) Each fantasy competition is different, some reward points for tries and wins, others go into more detail. This is one of those competition. You wouldn't pick a world XV in a fantasy team geared towards tries, just like you don't pick a fantasy team solely to get tries for this fantasy.

Work Rate is key

Players who work hard, who make lots of tackles and lots of runs, the points add up quickly and are worthy additions to your team. Northern Hemisphere equivalents could be Courtney Lawes, Dan Lydiate or Theirry Dusautoir, players who work hard but never score tries. These players would consistently bring points.

Avoid Centres and Scrumhalves

Centres and Scrumhalves are traditionally the lowest scoring positions in the competition. Don't waste valuable budget money on getting expensive ones. Best served elsewhere

Players who play out of position

Players like Steven Luatua last year, who was down as a lock, but played as a blindside flanker, earned huge points as a second row. There is usually one player who plays several positions, and different positions generally give more points.

Pick Players who actually play

Crucial. The biggest problem for team owners is managing the schedule. Not every team plays every week. Plus the comp is long; at 16 weeks plus finals, players will be rotated in and out. You have to make sure that you have 15 guys earning you points every single week. Look ahead at the fixture list and try to avoid obvious conflicts early.

Also beware of picking the big stars, especially in New Zealand. Do you really want to pick Richie McCaw or Kieran Read when they’re likely to be put in cotton wool at the slightest hint of injury? Instead that money might be better spent on someone like Michael Hooper, who will play 80 minutes nearly all season long. Similarly, I’d be pretty wary about picking either Bernard Foley or Kurtley Beale until you get some sense of who’s going to be starting; you’d have to doubt that either of them will be playing a full match every week just at the moment.

Don't avoid weak teams

This competition is ultra competitive, that just because a team is miles down the table doesn't mean they don't have fantasy gems. Ben Smith was a banker last season for the underperforming Highlanders, while Ged Robinson gained huge points playing for the Rebels. (Robinson has since left the Rebels).

Value over Replacement

While Israel Folau is nearly guaranteed to get you mega points, it'll definitely cost you mega bucks. It might be worth going for someone less expensive who could still rake in the points. Some positions have more points depth than others. It's all about what works for you.

FANTASY RULES

During the 2014 Super Rugby season, the players will be allocated a Fantasy point score after each match, based on their performances in the 2014 Super Rugby matches and the scoring system below. Only player performances in official 2014 Super Rugby matches are included in the scoring for Fantasy Super Rugby. The Fantasy points will be calculated using statistics supplied by the Promoter's data provider. The Promoter will not enter into any correspondence relating to the allocation of Fantasy points to players. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this data and the Promoter's decision is final and binding.

Actions occurring in extra time count towards points scored. Points are awarded as set out in the table below:

Action                                                                                                                                          Points

Playing 1 - 60 minutes                                                                                                                  1
Props that play more than 60 minutes                                                                                            4
Hookers, locks and backrowers that play more than 61 minutes                                                    3
All other positions playing more than 61 minutes                                                                            2
For each try scored by a prop or hooker                                                                                     15
For each try scored by a lock or backrower                                                                                12
For each try scored by a scrum-half, fly-half, centre or outside back                                             10
For each try assist                                                                                                                        5
For each try save                                                                                                                         5
For each conversion                                                                                                                     2
For each conversion miss                                                                                                             -1
For each penalty goal                                                                                                                   3
For each penalty miss                                                                                                                  -1
For each drop goal                                                                                                                       3
For each drop goal miss                                                                                                              -1
Yellow card                                                                                                                                -5
Red card                                                                                                                                     -15
For each run                                                                                                                                 1
For each tackle bust                                                                                                                      2
For each offload                                                                                                                            1
For each linebreak                                                                                                                        5
For each linebreak creates                                                                                                             3
For each error                                                                                                                              -3
For each tackle made by a prop or hooker                                                                                     2
For each tackle made by all other positions                                                                                     1
For each tackle miss                                                                                                                     -2
For each lineout take on own throw                                                                                                1
For each lineout steal on opposition throw                                                                                     4
For each lineout error, includes not straight, throw error or jump error                                           -3
For each tight head won, awarded to entire front row                                                                    7
For each tight head lost, awarded to entire front row                                                                     -3
For each pilfer                                                                                                                              4
For each turn over forced                                                                                                              3
For each penalty - long arm                                                                                                           -4

Join Now
Head to Head League 7255-5069
Normal League 7255-5068

Rugby Championship Review: Round 1

The moment we've all been waiting for, and it did not disappoint. And there were some stand out players that may not have been known to the Northern Hemisphere before

Australia - New Zealand

Australians have lamented yet another loss to New Zealand, and it seems that #BringBackBledisloe will be postponed for another year. The Australian media have blasted the Wallaby performance, but they were vastly improved from the Deans era, and posed the All Blacks a number of problems especially through Adam Ashley Cooper. James O'Connor further showed that he is not an outhalf with a decent showing, while Steven Luatua may have answered the calls for a dominant blindside flanker that BNZ have been looking for.


Argentina - South Africa

Admitedly, before this game I had a sneaky feeling that Argentina could pose the Boks a number of problems. Never have I been more wrong. South Africa absolutely smashed Argentina in a game that was beyond doubt after 20 minutes.

Fantasy

A great start to the fantasy league will strong showings from a large number of players.

For New Zealand, Steven Luatua showed the benefit of having a hard working player in your team, while Ben Smith's finishing had a huge impact on his score.
For Australia, the consistent boot of Christian Lealiifano means that he is a must in the centres,
Adriaan Strauss of South Africa showed the importance of having a good hooker in team, ably assisted by Duane Vermeulen and Bryan Habana.
Only Juan Imhoff and Juan Figallo for Argentina came out with their reputations unscathed, despite Imhoff's dropping for the next game.

These results meant that Connacht Man stormed into the lead with a massive 480 points, putting him 106th overall. Alex Shaw and pre tournament favourite Cillian Hogan are right on his heels, with 5 players over 400, and another  over 350, it's shaping up to be a tight race between a number of people.

Remember that in the Super Rugby competition, a lead of 100 points going into the semi finals wasn't enough to win, so anything can happen.

Head to Head

First Round Results:

ROUND
1	Poseidon's Belvedere	453 - 364	ciarans centurions
1	2GAY2FUNCTION	357 - 410	Prolific Punters
1	The Oscar Traynors	205 - 383	Ball Handling Hooker
1	Team McBonbon	374 - 403	Snowballs Chance
1	Bosh Merchants	294 - 480	Antipodean Dream
1	TheWaisaleTimes	368 - 428	Exiled Northerner
1	Thomond's Titans	374 - 454	Wasps 2nd XV
1	Average	358 - 381	The Lads

Super Rugby Review: The Qualifiers

Last weekend saw only two games in the tournament, who were supposedly the 3rd to 6th best teams in the competition. However, the Crusaders (4th) hammered the Reds (5th), while the Brumbies scraped by the Cheetahs early on Sunday.

The New Zealanders are getting into championship winning form at just the right time, with Dan Carter and Tom Marshall in particular producing fantastic displays. 38-9 to the Crusaders is a fair reflection of a game in which they dominated. Perhaps teams shouldn't be that dominant at a stage where only title contenders should, in theory, still be involved.

The Brumbies were fortunate to be through, with the Cheetahs missing a few key kicks. Perhaps having Johan Goosen back could have helped the Cheetahs again. They can be happy with their season, and it's even more remarkable when you consider they were down to their 3rd choice outhalf for the majority of the season.

Looking for to next weekend, there are THREE huge games. Three you ask? Yes three.

On Saturday morning, the Crusaders travel to the Chiefs in a mouth watering clash. The Chiefs are considered favourites, but I can't look past the Crusaders are in top form and hammered the Chiefs only three weeks ago 43-15. Liam Messam may have been missing that day, but it remains to be seen if his absence reduces the 28 point deficit.

Later on Saturday, the Brumbies travel to the Bulls. The Bulls will be without Jan Serfontain, who has had a marvelous season, and the Brumbies will fancy their chances, although they will have to improve hugely.

But the game of the week is in Port Elizabeth on Friday night, with the Southern Kings hosting the Lions in the first of a two-legged playoff to see who enters the competition in 2014. This will be a humdinger, and the Lions have some of their loanees back, like Elton Jantjies, who could flourish when allowed to play the expansive rugby the Lions play, and the Stormers didn't.

In the fantasy competition, a huge tactical mistake from Ball Handling Hooker cost him 64 points, by not having Dagg, Stephen Moore, Liam Gill and Johan Sadie, although mistakenly putting Frisby ahead of Genia saved him from losing 6 points.

As it were, with two rounds left, Cillian Hogan's lead has been cut by 25 points, and he leads by 95.

Will it be enough?

Super Rugby Review : Team of the Ladder Season

Round 20.

Apologies for the delay, but the Irish sunshine demanded attention.

The final round of matches in Super Rugby decided who played who in the qualifiers/ semi's, and their were some great moments.

It's obvious that the Crusaders are coming into form at the right time, while the Rebels produced a stunning comeback after losing at halftime by 31-7. Other picks of the round included a stunning victory for the Force, featuring a massive brain fart from Toomua, and a mauling of the Kings by the Sharks.

Now that the regular season is over, I felt it's necessary to award some of the performances by players that didn't make the playoffs. So here's the team of the season.

15. Ben Smith / Charles Piutau / Israel Folau

By a distance the hardest decision. With the playoff contenders this would have been even harder after Jesse Mogg's fabulous season. Charles Piutau was wonderful, and brought a breathe of fresh air into a Blues side that really needed it, while Ben Smith was a one man show in Dunedin, albeit in a losing side. But because of the switch, and the fact he was still a one man show with more success, I have to give it to Folau over Smith. Knowing full well that I'll change my mind on this fourteen times in the next minute.

14. Frank Halai

Frank was superb, and a competition best of 10 tries shows how well the former 7's specialist is bringing those skills to the 15 man game. Spoken of in terms of All Black selection. Watch this space. Mention too for Kade Poki and Alpati Leiua.

13. Rene Ranger

Ranger was awesome this season. He is finally in a position where he can influence games, whether by scoring tries, "Re-a-RANGERing" people, or by showing he is one of the best centres in the world at the breakdown. Montpeiller are getting a player at the top of his game. Richard Kahui and Tamati Ellison were outstanding, but were injured more often than not. Mention for a similarly effective switch to 13 from Tim Nanai Williams

12. Jean de Villiers

Outside of the playoffs teams, Jean de Villiers had a strong showing at inside centre, but Christian Lealiifano and Jan Serfontein performed better.

11. Julian Savea

Not the greatest season from Savea, and the assault charge seemed to effect him mid season, but he still scored some great tries, and Israel Dagg still has nightmares about the Savea train rolling over him.
Mention for Hosea Gear who like Smith, did well to manage 8 tries in a struggling Highlanders team.

10. Bernard Foley

The main reason why the Waratahs were a joy to watch this year was this man. Foley ran the show at his new position at standoff, making people like Cam Crawford and Israel Folau look good. Michael Cheika has unearthed a gem.

9. Fumiaki Tanaka

Perhaps a little bit of bias here, and it's strange to think that a good few Highlanders feature in this team, but Tanaka was great to watch this season, and it's hard not to have him as a favourite player. Wales discovered how effective he can be when Japan shocked them in the second test this summer. TJ Peranara did well, and a return of 7 tries can't be laughed at.

1. Ben Franks

Away from his brother for the first time, Franks shone at the Hurricanes, finally getting some regular gametime. His 10(0)m try was a sight to behold, and backed that up week in week out with strong performances. Mention for Schalk Ferraria of the Kings, whose defensive hard work lead the way for some historic performances.

2. Ged Robinson

Another tight contest, with Deon Fourie and Bandise Maku impressing. But with Fourie playing well at flanker too, Robinson had more time at hooker to show what he's got, and as the high scoring player in fantasy Super Rugby, he deservedly gets this spot.

3. Angus Ta'avao

It's hard to pick out props, especially tighthead props. James Slipper and Ben Taumiuna have done well, but as part of the playoff teams are discounted. Ta'avao bagged a few tries, and looks to be one for the future.

4. Luke Jones

The Rebels second row are by far their strongest performers. Both Pyle and Jones get through a mountain of work, and both should be closer to Wallaby reckoning. Great seasons for both.

5. Hugh Pyle

See Jones

6. Steven Luatua

What an outstanding breakout year for the 22 year old. Luatua was everywhere on the field, and New Zealand may have their heir apparent to Jerome Kaino's slot as the world's best blindside.

7. Wimpie van der Walt

Everything good about the Kings was epitomised by Wimpie van der Walt. Often running the ball two or three times a move, or tackling up to four times a play, Wan der Walt was tireless in his work, and the Kings would have been hammered as would have been expected much more without him.

8. Scott Higginbotham

Possibly the biggest loss to Australia this year, but after a slow start, "Higgers" showed that he can be a one man team, and all of the best parts about the Rebels this year came through this man. They may have been better without James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, but Scott Higginbotham takes them to new levels.

Fantasy

A huge performance from Cillian Hogan puts him further clear, and within touching distance of yet another victory. Plenty to play for over the next three weeks though. Other than the top two, only 5th and 6th have yet to be decided with Murray Kinsella battling Peter Corley for the spot.

Super Rugby Review Round 19

With only one more week to go, a lot of things were decided this week, amongst all the excitement, there was a 93 point game to feature before the Lions won the third test.

Crusaders 43 - 15 Chiefs

The Crusaders showed they are a champion side, putting in the performance against one of the competition contenders that keeps them in the hunt for first place in New Zealand. That they are still in the hunt after playing quite poorly, and now are coming into form should spread fear into the other playoff teams.

Hurricanes 44 - Highlanders

What a game. This showed both the best and worst of the Highlanders this season, after they raced into a healthy lead, only to squander it, then race back into a commanding lead, only to nearly squander it again, all while their poor discipline rendered it's ugly head yet again. The highlights are a must watch.

Cheetahs 34 - 13 Blues

This result confirmed that the Cheetahs made the most of their spectacular season by reaching the playoffs for the first time, while simultaneously consigning the Blues to nearly-rans. It was a much improved season from them, but it won't count for much. Ball Handling Hooker will be cheering on the Cheetahs in the playoffs.

Southern Kings 12- 24 Stormers

This result was consigned to not matter after the Cheetahs result as both teams now have nothing to play for. The Kings will play the Lions in a relegation playoff soon, while the Stormers will finish outside the playoffs and lose a lot of their top players like Joe Pietersen and Bryan Habana.

Bulls 20 -19 Sharks

A late charge from the Bulls kept them atop the ladder, in what could be an important position. A solitary point will confirm them as home semi-finalists, while finishing top means that they will host the final, should they get there.

Key games next week:

With only the order of the playoff contenders to change, these are the games that will affect standings;

Crusaders - Hurricanes - Expect the Crusaders to win, probably with 5 points.

Blues - Chiefs - Expect a narrow Chiefs vicotry giving them 1st in NZ.

Waratahs - Reds - I think the Tahs could sneak this one while the Reds are without Genia and Horwill

Force - Brumbies - Brumbies to win, possible bonus point

Stormers - Bulls - Bulls to win by a multiple of 3.

Probable playoffs:

1. Bulls v ( Brumbies v Reds)

2. Chiefs v ( Crusaders v Cheetahs)

Fantasy.

Another spectacular week brought Cillian Hogan 98 points clear of Ball Handling Hooker in the race for first place, with only 4 weeks to go. While Garbhan is 260 points behind, and will be fighting with Connacht Man for 3rd.

Head to Head league.

With 8 points the difference between 1st and 2nd, and the difference between 2nd and 3rd, it's likely to remain that way. the battle for 3rd, 4th and 5th will go on between the Weshties, Les Mecs and Multiple Scoregasms.

Super Rugby Review Round 18

Super Rugby was back with a vengeance this week, with some outrageous tries and funny moments. If you missed my take on the season so far watch it here.

Round 18.

Chiefs 34 - 22 Hurricanes

A hugely impressive performance from the Chiefs, and their unheralded pack in particular. They seemed to have unearthed another performer in Matt Vant Leven who dominated from no.8 putting in 17 tackles, two linebreaks, one steal and a try.

Highlanders 12 - 40 Crusaders

What a game this was. It had everything, from a red card, to a sumptious offload from Tamati Ellison for Ben Smith's try, to a coast to coast try at the death for Telusa Veainu. And yet Dan Carter put on a masterclass with 25 points, a try, a try assist, two linebreaks, one linebreak created, 5 tackle busts, 2 offloads and ten tackles.

With the news that Richie McCaw will feature for the Crusaders before the end of the season, this has been a great week for the men from Canterbury.

Sharks 22 - 20 Blues

A last minute try put the Blues in a dangerous position with the playoffs only 2 games away. Frank Halai's two tries weren't enough, while Anthony Boric was outstanding for the Blues with 26 tackles, while finding time for a linebreak and two offloads too. Riaan Viljoen with the match winning try.

Bulls 48 - 18 Southern Kings

The Bulls hammered the Kings, and it's now certain that the Kings will face the Lions in the South African relegation match. Jan Serfontein with the pick of the Bulls tries, after some quick thinking by Ndugane from an errant restart from the Kings

Stormers 28 - 3 Cheetahs

A hugely dissapointing show from the Cheetahs, who were done a favour by the Sharks earlier. Deon Fourie and Siya Kolisi had huge games, which meant that the Cheetahs never settled, and players like Willie le Roux were unable to continue from impressive showings with the Springboks.

What this means:

The Bulls and Chiefs guaranteed that they will feature in the playoffs, with the Bulls ensuring that they will finish first in South Africa, while a hugely unlikely collapse is the only thing that can deny the Chiefs top spot in New Zealand.

In the race for the playoffs, the Hurricanes and the Waratahs are now definitely out, while both the Sharks and the Stormers are making late charges.

Next week's Cheetahs v Blues will be a huge game, especially now that Chris Noakes and Piri Weepu will take no part after injuries.

Both the Stormers and the Sharks need to win all remaining games and hope the Blues beat the Cheetahs, then the Blues lose the following week. This will free up one slot for them to capitalise on. Both teams play the Kings and the Bulls in their remaining games.

By virtue of the Blues loss, and their next fixture against the Cheetahs, the Reds have also qualified for the playoffs. The Blues are the only remaining side outside of the playoffs that can go ahead of them, but for that to happen, the Cheetahs would be unable to go ahead of the Reds.

Table

Chiefs (q)        61
Bulls (Q)         59
Brumbies (q)   59
Reds (q)          54
Crusaders       51
Cheetahs         46 (with a bye to come)

Blues              44
Sharks            42
Stormers         42


Key fixtures

Round 19
Crusaders v Chiefs
Cheetahs v Blues
Kings v Stormers
Bulls v Sharks

Round 20
Crusaders v Hurricanes
Blues v Chiefs
Waratahs v Reds
Force v Brumbies
Sharks v Kings
Stormers v Bulls

Only two games left in the calendar do not have qualification hopes riding on them so far.

Fantasy

It was a significant period in the fantasy game, with a clear emergence of a top two. Poseidon's Belvedere with 489 points edges ahead of Ball Handling Hooker by 15 points. From there, there is a gap of 109 back to Garbhan Hogan, who isn't out of it, then a further 214 points back to Connacht Man who probably has 4th spot tied up at this stage.

In the head to head, Poseidon's Belvedere still has an 8 point lead, to second, and a 16 point lead to 3rd.

Results

Ball Handling Hooker	322 - 115	Les Mecs
GlasUlstermanNSW	326 - 489	Poseidon's Belvedere
Multiple Scoregasms	473 - 245	Average
The Weshties	260 - 256	Ireland's Answer

Fixtures

Average	v	Ball Handling Hooker
Poseidon's Belvedere	v	Ireland's Answer
Les Mecs	v	The Weshties
GlasUlstermanNSW	v	Multiple Scoregasms

Super Rugby Review Round 17

Brumbies 39-17 Rebels

The Brumbies shorn of their Wallabies obliterated a near full strength Rebels side missing only O'Connor, Beale and Higginbotham. Such was the shear brilliance of the Brumbies performance that they had 9 of the Dream Team players, with Colby Fainga'a getting top marks thanks to a try, 5 tackle busts and 14 tackles.

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Force 13- 28 Waratahs

The Force's decision to keep their strongest team for this game didn't work and plenty of accusations will be levelled at them. What's more impressive was the Waratahs with a hugely shallow side performing so well. Drew Mitchell at fullback had a stormer, and Peter Betham was electric on the wing.

Fantasy

Every second week it seems that the chasers close the gap, only for the leader to widen it the following week and it was more of the same, with their now being an 85 point gap at the top. With only 4 teams playing, scoring wasn't high, and no positional changes occurred.

In the head to head league, there was also no positional changes, as Cillian Hogan has a commanding 8 point lead.

Super Rugby Round 16 Review

A quick review with a few comments, highlights where necessary:

Try highlights:

Crusaders 23- 22 Waratahs

The Crusaders made a miraculous recovery here to sneak it, and Barnes missed a kick to win. Well worth checking out the highlights.

Brumbies 30-23 Hurricanes

This game almost cements the Brumbies as winners of the Australian conference. Only the Reds can catch them, but with two games left against the Force and the Rebels, it would be extremely unlikely if they don't win the conference. The Hurricanes playoff hopes are all but over now.

Highlanders 38-28 Blues

This loss is huge for the Blues, who are the 7th team in the log, and most likely to miss out. Games against the Sharks, a potential decider against the Cheetahs, and a tough game against the Chiefs stands in the way of them and a playoff place.

Reds 33-20 Rebels

Not a great performance by the Reds, but the main news from this game is that Higginbotham is injured, which is huge for the Wallabies. The Reds get the win, that almost definitely confirms their wildcard spot

Stormers 19-11 Kings

The only relevance this game served is to push the Kings closer to the relegation match. And to show that South African rugby with no Cheetahs is very boring.

Cheetahs 25-30 Bulls

A top of the South African table conference confirms the Bulls as South African leaders, and the bonus point for the Cheetahs could be vital given that they are in pole position to nab a dream wildcard spot.

Fantasy

It's all happening in fantasy.

After stretching the lead to over 100 points, a monster round from Garbhan Hogan puts him to within 9 points of the lead. NINE. This is going down to the wire.

Cillian Hogan recovered to be within 80 of the lead, and he is not out of it.

With unusual bye weeks coming up, it's all about managing your side. This is tense.