Six Nations Fantasy Tips: Planet Rugby continues its preview of the upcoming Six Nations Fantasy round, providing tips for your team ahead of the weekend’s action.
Following the fallow week, we examine the returning players for each team and their associated costs.
England
Courtney Lawes received 14.4 out of a possible 15 stars.
This weekend may see the long-awaited return of Lawes to the England pack.
Lawes has demonstrated his fitness and is in contention to face Wales this weekend.
The 33-year-old could play lock or back row in the XV. However, he is listed as a second-rower in the Fantasy Football game. He is priced at 14.4 stars, making him the eighth most expensive lock in the game.
However, he is 2.7 stars less expensive than teammate Maro Itoje.
Tom Curry and George Ford, who were expected to return, have been released to prepare for the upcoming match.
Ireland
Dan Sheehan – 15.9 stars
The game’s most expensive hooker. Sheehan has regained full fitness and will likely be included in the matchday squad, either as a starter or a substitute.
In the opening match against Wales, the 24-year-old scored a monumental 58.1 points. The Ireland star averages more points per game than any other hooker.
Cian Healy received 12.4 stars
In what could be his final Six Nations campaign, Healy has returned to full health for Andy Farrell’s squad.
The 35-year-old is one of the most expensive substitutes among the league’s top teams.
The Irish pack has performed admirably in the first two games, so it is unlikely that Healy will start. Nonetheless, he could pack a powerful punch from the bench.
Scott Penny – 10 stars
Scott Penny, a flanker for Leinster, is one of three uncapped players on the Ireland roster. The injury to Tadhg Beirne is one of the reasons Penny has been called up.
Penny, a force over the ball and a dynamo with the ball in hand, could be a valuable bargain selection. However, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, and Gavin Coombes are more likely to see action against the Azzurri.
Kieran Treadwell – 8.5 stars
Kieran Treadwell returns to the Six Nations squad after a strong performance for Ulster against Glasgow Warriors and a surprising omission from Farrell’s initial squad.
He was used as a replacement in the victories against New Zealand in July and South Africa in November of last year. The 27-year-old could make an impact at a substantial discount.
The second-rower is a diligent defender who could quickly amass an impressive number of tackles. Since Beirne and Joe McCarthy are ineligible for the match, Treadwell has a good chance of making the matchday roster.
Joey Carbery- 14.3 out of 10
Andy Farrell has been one of the busier coaches in terms of roster changes during the bye week.
Carbery returns as a replacement for Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, who is nursing an injury sustained against France.
His recall brings the squad’s number of fly-halves to four, joining Ross Byrne (11.4 stars) and Jack Crowley (8.7 stars).
Carbery fell in the pecking order for Ireland prior to the Six Nations, but after an impressive performance against the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship, has he forced Farrell’s hand sufficiently? Or will Byrne or Crowley wear the No. 10 jersey if Sexton is unable to play?
Italy
Paolo Garbisi – 12.6 stars
The return of the Italian playmaker! Due to an injury, Garbisi missed the team’s first two matches. Nonetheless, he returned for Montpellier during the Six Nations’ week off.
Garbisi was a vital component of the Italian squad last season and was instrumental in the Azzurri’s victory over Wales. The 22-year-old possesses game management skills beyond his years and is a 12.6-star option at fly-half.
Those who had Tommy Allan (12.4 stars) in their lineup could easily make the switch, as Garbisi will likely assume the starting position.
Garbisi will likely be the second-cheapest starting fly-half if Sexton is unable to play this weekend.
In the thirty minutes he was on the field, he assisted on a try for Montpellier.
Scotland
Hamish Watson received 15.4 stars.
Watson has been a member of the Scotland squad for the duration of the competition, but he is expected to return to the matchday squad this week.
The superstar openside flanker recently returned from injury and started just one game against the Sharks prior to the squad being named.
Gregor Townsend released Watson to play for Edinburgh this weekend, and he did not disappoint. During his 64-minute effort, he assisted on a touchdown, gained 17 yards on three carries, and completed 10 passes and two offloads.
He also had one interception and eleven tackles.
Wales
Louis Rees-Zammit – 15.4 stars
This weekend, when they host England, Wales will attempt to reverse their recent poor form. Rees-return Zammit’s has strengthened their chances.
He made a sensational return from injury for Gloucester against Leicester Tigers, coming off the bench. He played for 36 minutes, gained 78 yards on four carries, defeated three defenders, scored one try, and came close to scoring another.
Despite the relatively high price of 15.4 stars, this horse is a star that you may want to back.
