My ESPN Fantasy Rugby Team - Week 2

Time to look at this week's ESPN fantasy rugby team, in brackets you will find their score for my team from last week, we have a few new additions this time though.

Back 3 - Rob Kearney (3), Stuart Hogg & Liam Williams

Rob Kearney is the only player in back 3 to retain his place, I'm looking for a stronger, more offensive performance than shown against the Italians. At home I expect the Irish talisman to come big and to show what he is worth. With North out injured Liam Williams comes into the fray, after his great performance last year against the Scots I'm hoping for a similar performance this weekend, some tries to come from him if the physical centres can create space for him. Hogg enters the team on the back of an impressive attacking display against France, and he'll look to redeem himself after a silly red card last year. In front of a hopeful Murrayfield he will perform, and could prove crucial to Scottish chances.



Centres - Luther Burrell and Wesley Fofana (3)

Fofana still has the quality to cause problems, despite not showing it last weekend. I'm hoping he can show his pace and ability once this weekend against an Irish side that were quite sloppy last time out, and grab me a try. I've gone for Luther Burrell in the centres over Joseph, hoping his combination of physicality and pace will be too much for the Italians, opening up assists and tries for the English 12. It is a risky move considering the form of Joseph, but if you want to win the ESPN fantasy league you have to take chances.

Half backs - George Ford (8) & Ben Youngs (5)

With Halfpenny out, George Ford is promoted to kicker against an Italian side that will offer him plenty of opportunities to score points. This is a move that everyone should make, given Ford's ability to create opportunities and his ability to kick, which is underrated by many. Ben Youngs was brilliant last week and will look to repeat his heroics this week, grabbing another assist and maybe a try with his useful sniping.



Front Row - Alasdair Dickinson (2), Rory Best (2) & Guilhem Guirado

With solid performances from both Best and Dickinson, there was no reason to take them out. A late change to the Welsh line up resorted in me bringing in Guirado, who put in a very impressive carrying game against the Scottish, and could be that gem of a front row that picks up a try this weekend.



Second row - Jonny Gray (3) & Paul O'Connell (3)

Brilliant players, could be the stand out performers for their side once again, and definitely worth keeping in given their strength at set pieces.



Back row - James Haskell (3), Blair Cowan & Sergio Parisse (3)

Robshaw. Should have been man of the match, but wasn't given it. He had to make way so I could include another English back, who stands more of a chance of scoring against the Italians. Haskell is a more dangerous ball carrier than Chris, who made 26 tackles last weekend, even if he did run into the post against the Welsh. He is more likely to get you fantasy points, along with Blair Cowan who was fantastic at the breakdown against the French and could be a match winner against the Welsh. Parisse retains his spot because, well, he's Sergio Parisse.