The world of fantasy rugby appears simple to those who have never played but dig deeper and it is deceptively complex.
On the face of it, it’s just like any other fantasy sports game; pick a load of players who are rewarded with points based on their performance and your fantasy team’s success is based on your total points scored. Pick the best players in the competition and win! What could be simpler?!
In reality this could not be further from the truth. There are a myriad of additional factors to consider when selecting your team.
At Fantasy Rugby Geek, we have identified some of the key areas that players can gain an edge, and this guide provides 5 key rules you need to master in order to take you from a rookie, to a contender, to a true fantasy rugby expert…
Rule 1: Read the rules
Seems so obvious and yet so few people do it! By having the look at rules, you will spot loopholes and advantages that will put you ahead of swathes of your competitors.
How many points are awarded for certain actions? Does your bench win points? Do you need a single nominated kicker or can anyone win kick points? Is there a captain rule? How many free transfers are you allowed? How much do transfers cost (is it worth the penalty)? There are many ways to gain an edge by analysing the rules, so do yourself a favour before you do anything else when starting a game and dissect the rules.
Rule 2: Make sure all your players are actually playing
When building your team for the first time, the temptation is just to go for the famous big name players.
The reality in Rugby, being such a physical sport, is that injuries will happen and will happen regularly.
Most games don’t flag when a player is injured, so it is essential that as a player you check starting lineups, keep across any injury doubts and injury news, and if in doubt always pick a player who is comfortable first choice in their position or in their club/team.
Fortunately, most sides announce their starting lineups 48 hours before the game, giving you plenty of time to select a starting group of players, so wait for these announcements before selecting your team, as you don’t want to be wasting free transfers bringing in players before you know that they are definitely playing.
Rule 3: Check the scoring model and build your team around the stats
As mentioned in Rule 1, thoroughly understanding the rules is critical, and nowhere is this more important than understanding where the points will be scored.
Every game is different; some games only award points for tries, assists and winning, while other games are far more granular in awarding points for tackles made, lineouts won, metres gained, defenders beaten, scrums won etc.
Look at the points available and pick your team accordingly. For example, if lots of points are on offer for metres gained (which can often be a goldmine) then check out the stats to understand who the big ball carriers and gainers are in each position, and load your team up.
Likewise, games often penalise you heavily for penalties conceded, yellow cards and red cards, so keep an eye of those players with a reputation and history of ill-discipline and don’t let them near your side!
Rule 4: Keep an eye out for out of position players
Games have to assign players to be attributed to one position, this is usually Outside Backs, Centres, Fly Halves, Scrum Halves, Loose Forwards, Locks, Props and Hookers.
In reality you may find players playing out of position and this can have a beneficial effect on your team. Often wingers or fullbacks have higher scoring potential than centres, so if you have a player classified as a centre but starting in the back 3, then you should sign them up.
Likewise, often you will see locks and occasionally hookers lining up in the back row, this will potentially lend themselves to more opportunities in the loose than their respective peers in the tight five, and so a higher points scoring potential.
There can also be the opposite scenario of course, if a fullback finds himself in the centres or at fly half, so keep an eye on this too.
Rule 5: Spot the bargains
If you are playing a salary cap style game (all players have a price and you have a limited budget to build your team), always scope out the long tail of the player list to identify any bargains.
This could be cheap players who you know will start, have a proven track record at that level or who may be due an extended run in the team due to a big name injury.
These may not be the glamorous big names but they can be a tremendous source of vital points and will allow you to spend big elsewhere.
By mastering these five essential rules, you’ll not only gain an edge over your competition but also set yourself up for a winning fantasy rugby season. Now, it’s time to put your knowledge into action and start building that league winning team!
