My ESPN Fantasy Rugby Team - Week 1

With the 6 Nations beginning today I'm going to go through my fantasy rugby team for this week, and the reasoning behind my selections for round 1 of the 6 Nations.

Back 3 - Rob Kearney, Leigh Halfpenny (Kicker) & George North

Rob Kearney with two tries last year, George North with three and Leigh Halfpenny's 51 points from the boot in the 2014 competition make this back three a lethal combo, guaranteeing bags of points over the whole competition. George North has the ability to score tries against any team, and I can see him grabbing one tonight against England, he can score against any team on the planet. Rob Kearney comes up against the weakest team in the competition and has a great chance to improve on his try scoring record at the Stadio Olimpico, it is tempting to go for Zebo who's pace could cause problems, but if Ireland put Italy under pressure and force kicks, Kearney will collect them and run them back with force, a force I don't think the Italians will be able to handle. Finally we have Leigh Halfpenny, who's reliable boot will be crucial tonight, Wales will look to take every opportunity they can get and he could be racking up the points tonight. Going for a kicker in the back three is bold, missing out on potential tries because it opens up the opportunity to have a fly-half who isn't a kicker or reliable with the boot, but can create opportunities for his team mates and we will see who I have chosen for this pivotal role later on.

Players who nearly made it: Teddy Thomas, Mike Brown, Simon Zebo, Jonny May



Centres - Michele Campagnaro and Wesley Fofana

I wrote about the threat of Michele Campagnaro yesterday in the Italy vs Ireland - Preview, whose two tries against Wales last year show that he is capable of scoring against the big teams, and with just 12 caps is an exciting prospect for the Azzurri, who they will look to unleash at any opportunity, which is why he is their key man this competition, alongside another Italian stalwart, who will feature in this team as well. Wesley Fofana is proving to be the most popular player amongst Fantasy Rugby fans, with 61% of people selecting him, and for good reason. 7 tries in 13 6 Nations appearances makes him guaranteed points. Starting against Scotland on the 7th, Fofana will remain in this team for as long as he is fit and selected. He has proven he can score against anyone, and the pacey centre will show that once more in this year's competition.

Players who nearly made it: Alex Dunbar, Jonathan Joseph, Jamie Roberts



Half backs - George Ford & Ben Youngs

George Ford has the creativity, the awareness and the ability to create scores for his team. Whilst unreliable with the boot, and therefore not earning his position as kicker, what he will offer England throughout this competition is good ball for scorers such as Burrell and Joseph to run on to.I would have had Sexton in, but his concussion has ruled him out of the game against Italy. Ford is clearly the next best option available and next week I will evaluate if he can keep his place in my team. Then we have Ben Youngs who is keeping Danny Care out of the squad at the moment. His sharp thinking often means quick tap and goes, resulting in tries or assists for his team mates.

Players who nearly made it: Greig Laidlaw, Rhys Webb, Jonny Sexton (injury)



Front Row - Alasdair Dickinson, Rory Best & Samson Lee

The front row is where you can separate your team from everyone else's. Picking that rare gem of a prop that sneaks in for a try or the hooker that picks up man of the match can give you those few extra points to help you sneak up that league table, ahead of the likes of "Schmidt Happens", "Jonny May Score" or "Clitoris All Sorts". It's certainly tough, and almost a lucky dip, but you can narrow down your searches. Dickinson has 2 tries in his 39 caps, not exactly setting the world alight in that respect, but I've punted for the Scottish prop as the unlikely hero against the French, to crawl over that try line and get me some fantasy points. Rory Best has actually scored 8 tries in his career at Ireland over 78 games, 3 of them coming in his 32 RBS 6 Nations starts. His experience and ability will shine against the Italians and although I doubt he'll receive man of the match he will put in a reliably good performance at the least. Samson Lee has been picked solely for his ability to pick up man of the match against the English. With the physicality of the game tonight, the pack is where the game will be won and lost. Samson showed against the South Africans just how lethal he can be in the pack, and whilst not the best ball carrier he could be the hero for Wales tonight. Dylan Hartley almost made the side for his importance to the England pack as well, but you can not risk yellow or red cards in the fantasy league.

Players who nearly made it: Dylan Hartley, Ross Ford, Euan Murray



Second row - Jonny Gray & Paul O'Connell

Two players I have previously highlighted as key men, this was a no-brainer. Had Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury been available I would have selected one of them, but even then it would have been difficult for me to replace the Scottish prodigy and the Irish captain. Jonny Gray has been very impressive for Scotland lately and POC's strength and ability make these two the stand out second rows in terms of who is most likely to receive man of the match. Paul could lead his side to victory over the Italians and if it is unclear who the shining light is in that game the pundits may just pick the captain for leading such a commanding performance. Jonny has been in form of late and if he can replicate it over the course of the competition I think he is likely to be in amongst the man of the match contenders, more likely when Scotland play at home but he could impress in France.

Players who nearly made it: Alun Wyn Jones



Back row - James Haskell, Chris Robshaw & Sergio Parisse

I have picked Sergio Parisse in every single ESPN fantasy team I have made. He is the best Italian player of all time, and when the Italians play at home and lose by less than 20 points he is almost guaranteed man of the match. He is the influential player and has scored 4 tries in his last 23 6 Nations games. Once again he will be a part of everything the Italians do, every attack will go through this man. It has to, he is the life and soul of the Italian side. Chris Robshaw makes the side because if he leads the English to victory at the Millenium Stadium he will be receiving a lot of praise and maybe a man of the match award, that is, if the tackling, turnover machine James Haskell doesn't beat him to it.

Players who nearly made it: Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahoney, Sam Warburton, Thierry Dusautoir, Rob Harley

Best of luck this year, bring on the RBS 6 Nations 2015!

If you need to get pumped any more for the start of the competition today, watch this video here.