Fantasy Super Rugby Review: Round 4.

The Season is shaping up nicely.

We had a few shocks this round with 6 games and 3 teams having a rest.

The Hurricanes and the Crusaders played out a cracker of a game which finished with 57 points shared between them and one point in it. Julian Savea (50) has picked up where he left off with one of the greatest Jonah Lomu impression's since the great man, with a great try and Israel Dagg will have nightmare's about for years.

The Rebels have been more competitive this year but, seem to run out of steam in the second half of games. The Reds beating them 23-13 in one of the more entertaining Australian derbies. The Cheetahs shocked the Highlanders despite Kade Poki's (81 points - 30 for tries) hat-trick, with some great performances, with Pieter Labuschagne (41) in particular catching my eye.

The Brumbies hammered a poor Waratahs side to re-affirm there capabilities of winning the Australian conference. They have been a really impressive team, and the loss of David Pocock didn't seem to upset them. Of course it helps when you have some guy named George (32) to replace him.

The Stormers upset the Chiefs with a fantastic two point win with 70 points shared between them. There were some great tries in that game, with the Chiefs coming away with 2 bonus points. There was also a great try from Rene Ranger (40) in the Blues first loss to the Bulls. They did well do come back in the second half after a poor first half performance. Sir John seems to be doing a great job.

The game I skipped over was the Sharks unimpressive victory over the Kings, who are winning over the neutrals and being competitive. The Sharks now haven't scored a try in two games.

In the fantasy league, Murray Kinsella is gaining on the leaders with another impressive week. He is up to 5th and within striking distance of the top 4. Everyone seems to be doing better overall, with only 2 players failing to get over the minimum aim of 300 a week, and all but 3 getting over a 350. No one managed over 400 this week which leaves things tight up at the top.

Only 81 points separate 1st and 4th, with Murray Kinsella not too far off a further 168 behind. It's a very tight leaderboard with 7 players over 1,000 points and less than one gameweek's worth of points separating the first 7 positions.

Ronan Murphy and Ireland's Answer are in danger of falling behind at the bottom, and wildcards and transfers could get them back in it in no time.

The celebrities seem to have faired better this week, with Sharpey , Kafer, and Cannon making it over 400 points, and Tim Horan, Clarkie, Nick McArdle and Greg Martin also posting respectable scores. Kearnsy was disappointing with 280 points.

Future English Options at outhalf

There's been a lot of talk about the Irish options at out-half, which you can read the updated version here. But I think it's worth casting an envious eye over the options across the pond that England having coming through just in time for RWC 2015 and beyond.

Owen Farrell

Farrell is now the current incumbent and rightly or wrongly is a former IRB world player of the year nominee. And he's only 21. That is a scary thought for those going to face the English in the next 10 years and beyond.

In his short career, Farrell has already showed flawless goal-kicking, and incredibly strong defense. Farrell seems to be Jonny Wilkinson 2.0, there is certainly the equivalent English hysteria surrounding him at the moment.

With Sexton's injury, and a lack of credible alternatives, he seems to be the main runner for the starting test spot on the Lions tour. But while the English are renouncing a glorious talent, I've had reservations about him. Yes, he is a world class kicker, and tackles with no fear, but having grown up playing in the centres, does he have the skills to run a backline on the highest stage? He showed against Scotland that it would appear so, and delivered a wonderful pass for Geoff Parling to score. He didn't show this against Ireland, in horrendous conditions, which is fair enough. And Farrell showed impressive temperament to manage the game effectively.

Farrell is a coaches dream. He is incredibly solid, won't make mistakes and will kick his goals. But I'm reserving judgement on him until he demonstrates the capabilities to manage a backline for an extended run of games. In his short career he hasn't had a dip in form yet either. What separates the world class from the very good is the response to that dip in form. Until we see what happens then, we shouldn't be burdening him with IRB player of the year nominations.

Freddie Burns

The oldest of this trio, at an ancient 22 years old, has been impressing many watching Gloucester this season. Burns made his English debut coming on against the now famous game against New Zealand. He would be on the bench this 6 Nations if it weren't for an untimely injury.

There is a lot of buzz about Burns in England, and it says a lot about him that there were question marks about who would start at ten for England before Burn's injury, when you consider where Farrell is in everyone's mind now.

Unlike Farrell, Burns knows how to run a backline, he knows how to unlock a defense, is a capable runner with a great step, and has a great boot on him. His passing is excellent, and if nothing is on, he can produce a piece of magic, or find a great touchfinder.

Usually a player with that amount of attacking talent is vulnerable in defense, but Burns is a big guy, and tackles as well as anyone. Farrell may have more solidity about him, which isn't me suggesting that Burns is flaky, but Burns has the X factor.

He recently returned for Gloucester, and didn't put in a fantastic performance, but with Farrell's injury should see some game time against Italy and might start against Wales.It looks like Flood should start, but Burns should see some game time, and if he shows the form of before his injury, don't discount him for the third out-half slot on the Lions tour.

George Ford

The youngest of the 3, at only 19, but perhaps has the most potential. Ford is the youngest player to make his debut at the young age of 16 for Leicester in the LV Cup.

Ford is leaving Leicester at the end of the season, where he is backup to Toby Flood, to join Bath and show what remarkable talents he has.

From watching him in the Wolfhounds game against the Saxons a number of weeks back, Ford was head and shoulders above everyone else on the field. He oozes class.

Ford controlled that game, and showed that he has a fantastic rugby brain. He knew when to showcase his attacking talent, and when to play for position.

In terms of style he is more attacking than Farrell, and more solid than Burns.

Conclusion

If these three were in different eras, or even different nationalities, they would all have close to 100 caps on the international stage. As it is, they will be competing with each other for many years. I think that Ford has the most about him, and will usurp the challengers in the next 2-3 years.

However, right now, despite his recent injury return, I would prefer to see Burns play, even when Farrell comes back. But that's just my preference for the style I'd want my outhalf to play. One thing is for certain, England have quality coming through at ten, with a lot more substance to the Irish talent coming through in the same position.

6 Nations Midway Lions Watch

With only two international games left before Gatland picks his touring squad, these are the players that have been putting their hands up, and where there are spots still up for grabs.

Loosehead. I'm assuming three will travel, two of which are Cian Healy, and Gethin Jenkins; who seems to be returning to something resembling top form. The last spot is between Ryan Grant (Scotland), Joe Marler, Paul James and Andrew Sheridan, with replacements from Ireland and Scotland not impressing. Vunipola won't go unless he usurps Marler between now and the end of the competition. Much was expected of Ryan Grant, but he hasn't impressed as much as in November. The doubts for Andrew Sheridan emanate from his lack of internationals recently, and whether Toulon will release him in time for the tour. Paul James is an outside bet after Jenkin's injury.

Safe: Healy, Jenkins. Next in line; James, Sheridan, Grant, Marler

At hooker, Rory Best has cemented his place with some great performances around the park, aside from his dodgy throwing in the first half of the Scottish game. He brings the sort of leadership that will be invaluable on tour. One of Tom Youngs and Dylan Hartley will travel, and possibly both, with Ross Ford and Richard Hibbard the only other contenders. Ford is showing glimpses of why he was a Lion before, and Wales are calling for Hibbard's inclusion in the test team, but I've yet to be convinced. Richardt Strauss is a very left field selection, but would point to Gatland emphasising the break-down as an area of importance. Safe: Best; Next, Youngs, Hartley, Hibbard, Ford, Strauss

Tighthead, where again I'm assuming three, of which Dan Cole and Adam Jones are miles ahead of everyone. With no Sunday games, and a decent showing of form, Euan Murray is ahead of Mike Ross, who offers little else other than the scrum.

Safe; Cole, Jones. Next in line; Murray, Ross

Second Row is difficult as there doesn't seem to be a current world class star amongst the ranks. Launchbury and/or Parling may develop into world class standard, but they aren't there yet. Both are likely to travel. I've been impressed with the Scottish lineout and how it dismantled Ireland's, but it was more Jim Hamilton in particular and Ali Kellock than Richie Gray catching my eye. Donnacha Ryan and Mike McCarthy have been good this year, but it's hard to say whether either have been Lions quality. With Wales's second row stocks shallow, AW Jones's return will be welcome. Nathan Hines is in the same boat as Andrew Sheridan, but there is less competition for Hines, and Hines has shown before his willingness to leave his Top 14 club to play for the Lions

Contenders: hines, Parling, Launchbury, Ryan, Jones, Hamilton, Kellock, Gray, Lawes, McCarthy

Back Row

There are a number of contenders in the backrow. Jamie Heaslip is in danger of not travelling unless he shows up in a few games. Sean O'Brien is a certainty. Dan Lydiate needs to come back from injury as he will be needed in Australia. Warburton's place is under threat, and Tipuric has to be a traveller too. Faleatau is approaching form and all the Welsh near form are in with a shout with Gatland as head coach. I think Kelly Brown would be a smart pick and a great tourist. Johnnie Beattie has been in good form in France and for Scotland too and is in with a shout. Tom Wood and Robshaw are pushing hard for calls too. Ryan Jones is another outside bet, who might get there after impressing after a long run of no form, especially as he can cover 2nd row. Armitage is another Top 14 player that the English want included, but I don't think he's good enough to make it. Tom Croft is coming back from injury and has the potential to go aswell

Safe: O'Brien, Next: Robshaw, Tipuric, Warburton, Lydiate, Brown, Faletau, Beattie, Wood, Heaslip, Croft, Morgan, Jones

Scrumhalf

Seems a wide open race. At the very least the scrumhalves seem to be playing better than in November when all tried to play themselves out of the race. Laidlaw has been very good for Scotland, but I think he is a better outhalf than scrumhalf. His versatility is likely to earn him a spot at least. Like the English hookers one or both of Youngs and Care are likely to go, and it seems a direct choice between Phillips and Murray for a bruising type of scrumhalf which could help in the breakdown in Australia. Gatland is a fan of Phillips and his Lions experience would give him an edge.

Contenders, Laidlaw, Youngs, Care, Phillips, Murray,

Outhalf; I'm backing Sexton to be first choice, and Farrell seems to be the next in line. There aren't too many others, which suggests that anyone who plays for any of the countries is in with a shout. For England there'll be Toby Flood and Freddie Burns, Scotland will have Ruaridh Jackson, Wales have Biggar and Hook and Ireland will be showcasing Paddy Jackson and Madigan. First off, it won't be either Jackson or Madigan. Hook has a chance due to his versatility. Gatland doesn't seem to like Biggar even though he seems good to me. I think he'd prefer to take a gamble on Priestland's fitness rather than go with Biggar. Which leaves either Flood or Burns. Personally, I'd like to see Burns have a go. I think he's a fantastic talent and capable of something extraordinary. Flood has never seemed international standard, and has just been keeping the jersey warm for the youngsters to come through. He's made the most of his ability and fair play, but he isn't Lions material.

Safe: Sexton, Farrell, Next in line; Priestland, Biggar, Hook, Flood, Burns.

Inside Centre

Jamie Roberts is leading the race, but hasn't done enough to be considered a certainty for me. Matt Scott has had an industrious campaign, and is in consideration, and Brad Barritt has also done well and is a likely contender. Billy Twelvetrees and Luke Marshall are two young bolters who have both had one impressive game. More impressive gametime for either might get them a nod as they can offer alternative skills to Roberts and Barritt. It's unlikely that both Marshall and Twelvetrees would go though, and either would still be a left-field call.

Contenders: Roberts, Barritt, Twelvetrees, Marshall, Scott

Outside Centre

Brian O'Driscoll and Manu Tuilagi seem to be the frontrunners and have left Jonathan Davies behind. It's unlikely 3 will travel, so Davies might miss out. Hogg is able to cover 13 if necessary anyway.

Safe: O'Driscoll, Tuilaigi; Missing out: Davies

Wingers

Wingers are judged on ability to score tries, work ethic and defensive capibilities. There are a great mix of wingers available to Gatland. In Scotland Maitland and Visser are pushing for selection without being fantastic, Maitland is an intelligent player, and Visser is a finisher. In England Ashton is a poacher who needs work done for him. He is almost in direct competition with Visser even though they play opposite sides. Ashton's form isn't great though. In Wales Eli Walker hasn't got a look in and must be discounted, leaving Cuthbert and North as main challengers. Cuthbert is a tryscorer, and North is probably the most certain of all wingers being pacey and strong. The Irish wingers seem to have been struck down by various injuries. Bowe and Zebo could be included, but probably won't be fit in time. Gilroy is another outside bet as he offers something a little different to the other wingers. Fitzgerald hasn't gotten a look in, but would be good enough, while Earls and McFadden aren't good enough.

Safe: North; Contenders: Cuthbert, Visser, Maitland, Gilroy. Ashton, Bowe, Zebo

Full back.Leigh Halfpenny has been outstanding for 4 years now. He is as certain as anyone could be. Stuart Hogg is pushing hard too. Rob Kearney went from being a certainty to being close to not travelling. He has enough about him to get there, but hasn't fully rediscovered his form since returning from injury. If he finds it any time from now until the team announcement, he'll be on the plane. Alex Goode, Ben Foden and Mike Brown are all in with a shout, and with most of these players able to cover other positions, don't be surprised if as many of these as possible are selected.

Safe: Halfpenny, Contenders; Hogg, Kearney, Goode, Foden, Brown

Super Rugby Teams Round 4

Friday March 8th

Wellington Hurricanes vs Canterbury Crusaders 6.35

Hurricanes: 15. Andre Taylor, 14. Alapati Leiua, 13. Conrad Smith (c), 12. Tim Bateman, 11. Julian Savea, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Victor Vito, 7. Karl Lowe, 6. Brad Shields, 5. Jason Eaton, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2. Dane Coles, 1. Ben Franks. Reserves: 16. Motu Matu'u/Ash Dixon, 17. Ben May, 18. James Broadhurst, 19. Faifili Levave, 20. Chris Smylie, 21. James Marshall, 22. Reynold Lee-Lo

Crusaders: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Tom Marshall,  13. Robbie Fruean, 12. Ryan Crotty, 11. Johnny McNicholl, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andy Ellis, 8. Kieran Read (c), 7. Matt Todd, 6. George Whitelock, 5. Dominic Bird, 4. Sam Whitelock, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Corey Flynn, 1. Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16.  Ben Funnell, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Tom Donnelly,19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Tom Taylor, 22. Adam Whitelock

Melbourne Rebels vs Queensland Reds 8.40

Rebels: 15 Angus Roberts, 14 Richard Kingi, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Alex Rokobaro, 10 James O'Connor (c), 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Paul Alo-Emile, 18 Jordy Reid, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nic Stirzaker, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Tom English.

Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick Frisby; 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Ed Quirk, 5 Ed O'Donoghue, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Albert Anae, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Mike Harris, 22 Chris Feauai-Sautia.

Saturday March 9th

Otago Highlanders vs Free State Cheetahs 6.35

Highlanders: 1. Tony Woodcock, 2. Andrew Hore (Captain), 3. Ma’afu Fia, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Josh Bekhuis, 6. Joe Wheeler, 7. John Hardie, 8. Jake Paringatai, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Lima Sopoaga, 11. Hosea Gear (Vice-captain), 12. Ma’a Nonu, 13. Phil Burleigh, 14. Kade Poki, 15. Ben Smith

Bench: 16. Brayden Mitchell, 17. Chris King, 18. Jarrad Hoeata, 19. Tim Boys, 20. Fumiaki Tanaka, 21. Colin Slade, 22. Shaun Treeby

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Riaan Smith, 22 Ryno Benjamin

ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs 8.40

Brumbies: 1. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 3. Dan Palmer, 4. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Peter Kimlin, 7. David Pocock, 8. Ben Mowen, 9. Nic White, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Clyde Rathbone, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Andrew Smith, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Jesse Mogg.

Bench: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Fotu Auelua, 19. George Smith, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Joseph Tomane, 22. Robbie Coleman.
Waratahs: 15. Ben Volavola , 14. Israel Folau , 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper , 12. Tom Carter , 11. Drew Mitchell , 10. Bernard Foley , 9. Brendan McKibbin , 8. Dave Dennis (c) , 7. Michael Hooper , 6. Mitchell Chapman , 5. Kane Douglas , 4. Sitaleki Timani , 3. Sekope Kepu (Randwick) , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 1. Benn Robinson

Replacements , 16. Luke Holmes , 17. Paddy Ryan , 18. Greg Peterson , 19. Lopeti Timani , 20. Pat McCutcheon , 21. Matt Lucas , 22. Lachie Turner

DSL Stormers vs Waikato Chiefs 15.05

Stormers:15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jean de Villiers (captain), 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Nic Groom, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Rynhardt Elstadt, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. De Kock Steenkamp, 3. Frans Malherbe, 2. Deon Fourie, 1. Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes: 16. Tiaan Liebenberg, 17. Pat Cilliers, 18. Don Armand, 19. Nizaam Carr, 20. Dewaldt Duvenhage, 21. Peter Grant, 22. Gerhard van den Heever

Chiefs: 15. Gareth Anscombe, 14. Lelia Masaga, 13. Tim Nanai-Williams, 12. Charlie Ngatai, 11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8. Liam Messam, 7. Sam Cane, 6. Tanerau Latimer, 5. Brodie Retallick, 4. Craig Clark (c), 3. Ben Afeaki, 2. Mahonri Schwalger, 1. Pauliasi Manu.
Reserves: 16. Hika Elliott, 17. Ben Tameifuna, 18. Michael Fitzgerald, 19. Nick Crosswell, 20. Augustine Pulu, 21. Andrew Horrell, 22. Patrick Osborne

Southern Kings vs Natal Sharks 17.10

Kings: 15 SP Marais, 14 Marcello Sampson, 13 Ronnie Cooke, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Cornell du Preez, 5 Darron Nell (captain), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 Schalk Ferreira.Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Jaco Engels, 18 David Bulbring, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 George Whitehead, 22 Hadleigh Parkes.

Sharks: 15. Louis Ludik, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Francois Steyn (C), 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Patrick Lambie, 9. Cobus Reinach, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 5. Franco van der Merwe, 4. Anton Bresler, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Craig Burden, 1. Tendai Mtawarira.Replacements:16. Kyle Cooper,17. Wiehahn Herbst, 18. Pieter-Steph du Toit,
19. Jacques Botes, 20. Charl McLeod, 21. Meyer Bosman, 22. Odwa Ndungane

Sunday March 10th

Auckland Blues vs Blue Bulls 3.05

Blues:15. Charles Piutau; 14. Frank Halai, 13. Rene Ranger, 12. Francis Saili, 11. Waisake Naholo; 10. Baden Kerr, 9. Piri Weepu; 8. Steven Luatua, 7. Luke Braid, 6. Kane Barrett; 5. Ali Williams, 4. Liaki Moli; 3. Charlie Faumuina, 2. Quentin MacDonald, 1. Tim Perry.

Replacements: 16. James Parsons, 17. Angus Ta'avao, 18. Ronald Raaymakers, 19. Brendon O'Connor, 20. Jamison Gibson-Park, 21. Marty McKenzie, 22.Albert Nikoro.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Lionel Mapoe, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandrè Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Frik Kirsten, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Mornè Mellett.Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Grant Hattingh, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 Jürgen Visser.


BYE: Force

Fantasy Super Rugby Review Round 3

Another great week of Super Rugby and a great week of fantasy.

The Blues ran the show against the Crusaders on Friday morning, completely justifying the decision to get up so early on a day off. Rene Ranger and Chris Noakes in particular were outstanding, and both were at the fulcrum of all the good work that the Blues managed. Piri Weepu looks in great shape, and his passing seems a lot faster than last year.

The Crusaders seemed very rusty in their first game, and the Blues will be thankful they got them at this stage. It seems like just a blip, and they showed their class for being in it for so long without playing close to well. Dagg's positioning showed that he is not a winger, and Carter only seemed to be interested in passing the ball out, without providing anything else.

Luke Braid got a try while bleeding heavily, made 12 carries, burst through 3 tackles and made 15 tackles without missing any for the highest fantasy points total of Round 3, which transports him into the dream team overall.

Halai, Piatau, both Saili's and Luatua look like fantastic young prospects and seem to gel together well. The Blues could be a team to watch, but they will need to find a consistent goalkicker. Maybe letting Gareth Anscombe go to the Chiefs will be a mistake they'll regret more and more.

Anscombe was fantastic against the Cheetahs with 9/9 and a try. He looks at home at fullback despite it only being his 2nd appearance ever in the position. Cruden seemed to awake from a slumber from being anonymous by his standards for 130 minutes, to turn it on for 5 minutes and 2 tries before being taken off. It bodes well for the Chiefs going to the future. They seemed to have grown after winning last year and the loss of Sonny Bill Williams and Sona Taumalolo hasn't hit too hard.

Elsewhere, the Reds and the Hurricanes denied the Hurricanes victory at Suncorp stadium. The consensus seemed to be that the Hurricanes should have taken their chances, and with the Blues resurgent could face a battle to avoid being the bottom team in the NZ conference.

Elsewhere, The 'Tahs overcame a dreadful first half to dispose of the Rebels, who are improving year on year; the Bulls escaped against the Force with a late rally; and the Stormers and the Sharks played out a boring test match.

From a fantasy point of view, it's been three weeks now, and ideas on how to manage your team should be coming together nicely. A look at the dream team hints what positions are most valuable and who is performing well. As an example, James O'Connor miles ahead of other inside backs, and is second highest points scorer. Ged Robinson of the Rebels is also miles ahead of other hookers and is the highest point scorer, but both have had an extra game to most of the competition.

Scrum halves totals are very low. Highest has been playing on the wing, which is Richard Kingi.

Overall dream team full of Australians (extra game) with Blues. Is that a hint that the Blues are going to continue their form? Only time will tell

Going through the positions about what is acceptable per game and where allowances can be made.

Props important- about 20-30 points acceptable per game. Props who make a lot of tackles and are strong in the scrum are the most point-scoring.

Hooker = vital. highest scorer at the moment, and was last year. Need to be getting 30+ points a week. Lineout throws, runs and tackles all gain lots of points.

Second rows playing flanker get most points. Lineout forwards with lots of tackles and carries are wanted 15+ points. Flankers are important and score well 25+ points a round.

As mentioned, scrumhalves aren't that important and could be sacrificed. Want someone who gets a good number of points, makes breaks and affects the game. Be happy with 10 points. Only 6 9's atm have over 10 points per game average.

Outhalf is a new position in the fantasy this year, it used to be part of the inside backs. But it's usually important as my inside backs were full of outhalfs. A creator or a very safe boot is what's needed, and there are plenty of them. 20+ is a decent haul of points a game, but Outhalves tend to me more inconsistent than other positions in terms of points scoring.

Inside backs, James O'Connor seems to be head and shoulders above the rest. A try scoring 13, or kick taking 12 are the main options, but a few seem to be doing some good business too.

Outside backs are as inconsistent as outhalves, as most tries come out here. While two tries one week can get a winger up to 50 points, a tryless week might leave him with under 10.

It'll be easier to see as the season goes on who is consistent or whose form is only temporary. The Blues seem to be doing the business at the moment but can it last? The most valuable players to have in your fantasy team are cheap high scoring youngsters. Anyone under 150K and getting 20+ points a game keeps the points ticking over and releases funds for more expensive transfers elsewhere.

Transfers can happen every week, so make use of them. Wildcards need to be used effectively. Now might benefit to get the fast starters, but if the Blues fail to maintain form it might bit you in the ass. With the Lions and internationals in the middle that could interrupt things too. Wildcards could make and break your team's aspirations.

On to our leagues, with the leagues changing from 3 to 2, and the inclusion of the "celebrities", things are hotting up.

In SuperIrish Murray Kinsella's "Les Mecs" had a stormer of a week with a whopping 510 points from 5 dream team players with only the scrumhalf contributing less than 19 points. This brings Les Mecs up two spaces. 500+ points shows how easy it is to make up a gap, so it's still all to play for for each player.

Garbhan Hogan retains his lead thanks to a strong bench which holds off the gathering challengers. With 4 teams over 1,000 points and only 38 points separating them, it's all to play for. Things are hotting up.

The "Twittersphere" league sees the introduction of the "celebs" with Rod Kafer and Tim Horan storming to the front with commanding leads. Brendan Cannon and Greg Martin are amongst the "top 4" with Nathan Sharpe just outside. Greg "Clarkie" Clark, Nick McArdle and Phil "Kearnsy" Kearns separate the top 4 from the rest. Peter Corley and Simon Farrell are yet to join this league.

In further fantasy news, there will be a head to head league and a cup competition starting in the following months, so new players are encouraged to join.

Irish Squad Announcement Reaction

First thing I do when I see a squad announcement is to put each player in their positions and see who's who, it gives a better view of who is in the squad and who is not. Alphabetical order, and versatility makes this difficult ish, but it's a good read of the squad.

1. Healy, Kilcoyne,
2. Best, Cronin,
3. Fitzpatrick, Ross,
4. O'Callaghan, Ryan,
5. McCarthy, Toner, Tuohy,
6. Henderson, O'Mahony,
7. O'Brien, O'Donnell
8. Heaslip, Diack
9. Murray, Reddan
10. Jackson, Madigan, Sexton,
11. Earls, Fitzgerald,
12. Marshall, McFadden,
13. O'Driscoll, O'Malley,
14. Gilroy, Trimble,
15. Kearney, Kearney

Right, because it's the main issue and twitter has exploded, but the eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that a certain Ronan O'Gara is missing from this squad and an Ian Madigan has replaced him. Despite what Monday's paper might lead you to believe, this is a good thing. O'Gara had been off form lately and there are alternative options that are playing better. Madigan should be in there and should have been in there for a while now. So it's a positive. Has Kidney handled it badly? Probably, but the people that are saying this are the people that didn't want him in the Welsh squad in the first place. It is sad when a great player's career might be at an end against his wishes, but he will be remembered for the fantastic moments in his career, like the drop goal in '09 or the drop goal after 42 phases in the Heineken Cup last season to name just two.

Madigan and Jackson provide two clear different options in the 23, and both deserve their chances. Jackson showed enough against Scotland in open play to keep his place, and his kicking against Treviso was hugely improved. Even still, someone like McFadden to come in and take that pressure off him would allow him to flourish. Madigan provides a better Plan B than O'Gara ever would, as O'Gara is more suited to seeing out an advantage than chasing a game which screams out for someone as unpredictable as Madigan.

Part of me thinks that this isn't the last we've seen of ROG in an Irish shirt, but Kidney's history would suggest against it. He has had a wonderful career, and will be remembered as a legend. He might have left with more dignity, but no one will remember that in a few years. Sexton might be ruled out in between now and the team announcement, which might lead Kidney to call O'Gara up to have some experience in the 23. Watch this space.

Now, surprisingly there are a number of other talking points from this squad. Tom Court who parachuted over Dave Kilcoyne for the Scottish match is deemed surplus to requirements and Kidney seems to have made his mind up about the two of them. This is a tough call, just as it was to pick Court over Kilcoyne last week. Kilcoyne seemed to struggle as much if not more than Court in the scrum when he came on. It's as if Kidney wants Kilcoyne to be next in line, but doesn't trust him enough.

Speaking of trust, the treatment of Cronin in the last few games screams of a lack of trust. It's a toss up between him and Sherry for me, but in reality it won't matter because neither will get on the field, no matter how bad Best's throwing will be. On Best's throwing, it was bad in the first half against Scotland, but we didn't lose any in the second half, and one bad half does not mean he is having a bad tournament. I think he's been our best player.

O'Donnell and Henderson have cemented themselves in the squad are great seasons, with Henry injured. The big call in the back-row is the inclusion of South African Robbie Diack. Diack is a versatile player that has been used across the back row and the second row this season for Ulster. He is good enough, and could be a useful player for Ireland. He won't get in the 23 this match, but it's the second project player to be included and paves the way for others like Nathan White, Jared Payne, Quinn Roux and CJ Stander to be included. A lot will be made of this, but I'm supportive of it. These are what the rules state, let's make the most of it and get on with things. Strauss showed how to do it, and do it properly, hopefully the rest will follow. Skip to 2:30 below

It's fantastic to see Eoin O'Malley in there. He's a great talent if he would get a run without injuries. And Andrew Trimble is back. With Gilroy struggling he is a live contender for the 23.

Probable 23:
1. Healy, 2. Best, 3. Ross, 4. Ryan / O'Callaghan, 5. McCarthy / Tuohy, 6. O'Mahony, 7. O'Brien, 8. Heaslip, 9. Murray, 10. Sexton / Jackson, 11. Earls, 12. Marshall, 13. O'Driscoll, 14. Gilroy / McFadden / Fitzgerald, 15. Kearney.
16. Cronin, 17. Kilcoyne, 18. Fitzpatrick, 19. Toner, 20. Henderson, 21. Reddan, 22. Jackson/Madigan, 23. Fitzgerald/McFadden/Trimble


All the /s are injury permitting, with the inclusion of McFadden to take the kicks off Jackson should Sexton not make it. This is Kidney's probable 23, not the 23 that I would choose.

Overall, I am very happy with this squad. It's incredibly hard to find fault with it. It shows to me that Kidney is trying to earn another contract by showing the IRFU that he is looking to the future with bringing the youngsters in, and how the project players are now being included. It's Kidney's last roll of the dice, will it work?

Connacht's plan

Worthy of it's own post.