We are at the halfway mark in this year’s 6 Nations and fantasy rugby is heating up as players rise or fall in stock, here’s who to keep an eye on this week.
First up is the clash of France and a depleted Scotland team, who have a massive injury list at the moment.
France have named a much-changed team to the one that lost to England two weeks ago and it may be worth investing a bit in some of their player’s who need to bounce back to winning ways.
Romain Ntamack has been called in at number 10 and at only 11.5 stars may be worth a punt in any team, alongside him is Antoine Dupont who costs 12.8 stars.
Other players to consider are the likes of Gael Fickou, 13.7 stars, Yoann Huget, 13.2 stars, and Louis Picamoles, 14 stars, who are all hoping to carry France to a first win in this season’s competition.
#FRAECO J-4 ?
La compo du #XVDeFrance vient de tomber ! ? On leur envoie un max de force ??? #NeFaisonsXV @SixNations_FR pic.twitter.com/CFJIHbh2Nv— avec le XV (@avecleXV) February 19, 2025
Although the Scotland team is missing some big hitters, there are still some standout performers that would be good on any team.
Greig Laidlaw, 14.3 stars, is always putting in a shift and will most likely be kicking any penalties that could come the Scots way and with France’s indiscipline he could rack up the points.
With Stuarts Hogg missing out, Blair Kinghorn, 14.3 stars, has got a huge opportunity and scored a hat-trick on the opening weekend so would be well worth splashing the cash on.
Sam Johnson, 12.2 stars, has been in fine form for the boys in Blue, as well as the warrior that is Jonny Gray, 12.5 stars, who will be sure to make a number of tackles against the French.
BREAKING | Scotland make four changes to face France in this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations Test in Paris.
? Pete Horne for Finn Russell
? Magnus Bradbury for Ryan Wilson
? Nick Grigg for Huw Jones
? Blair Kinghorn for Stuart HoggREAD MORE ➡️ https://t.co/aikrbG2dKP pic.twitter.com/Aq1OxoqQTx
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 21, 2025
The big clash of the weekend is Wales vs England, with the three most expensive players in the game amongst the two rivals.
For England Jonny May, 18.7 stars, has been in incredible form, and if you have the cash go for him. While Owen Farrell, 17.6 stars, never really has a poor game so would be a good man to have on your side.
Other men to think of would be Jack Nowell, 14.4 stars, who is back in the team following Chris Ashton’s injury and will be looking to make his mark. Billy Vunipola, 16.1 stars, has announced that he will be hoping to get back to his best against the Welsh, so could be one to watch.
Courtney Lawes, 15.8 stars, and Henry Slade, 16 stars, are another couple to add to the wish list. The problem with the English players is that they cost so much due to their impressive start to the campaign.
BREAKING | Your England team to face Wales on Saturday in the #GuinnessSixNations
Preview ➡ https://t.co/HbpHbeEotO#WALvENG #CarryThemHome ? pic.twitter.com/XrtjKeJkie
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 21, 2025
Wales’ George North is the third most expensive player at 17 stars, and is always one to keep an eye on, while inside him Jonathan Davies, 15.2 stars, is another who is sure to put in a huge shift against the men in white.
In the pack, the likes of Josh Navidi, 15 stars, Justin Tipuric, 13.4 stars, and captain Alun Wyn Jones, 15.7 stars, will all be putting in a mammoth amount of work and could gain a lot of point for their hard work.
#GuinnessSixNations Team News ?
Your Wales team to face @EnglandRugby on Saturday ??????? #WALvENG ??????? Dyma’r dreigiau fydd yn cystadlu yn erbyn y rhosyn coch penwythnos yma. #HWFN #ForTheJersey pic.twitter.com/jju4zP8dzM
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 21, 2025
Last up is Italy vs Ireland on Sunday, in a game many expect to be a walkover for the visitors.
People may be reluctant to have many Italians on their team but if they are going to cause an upset here are the men they need to be firing on all cylinders.
Michele Campagnaro, 11.9 stars, even in the defeats they have had he has been outstanding, as has Abraham Steyn, 10.7 stars.
While captain Leonardo Ghiraldini, 11.8 stars, and fly-half Tomasso Allan, 11 stars, will need to lead their backs and forwards respectively if they are to have any hope of getting a result against the reigning champions.
#Italrugby, annunciata la formazione in campo domenica con l’Irlanda ➡ https://t.co/6YDWGkP35E#ITAvIRE #insieme @SeiNazioniRugby @SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/0aXk5IpSIE
— Italrugby (@Federugby) February 22, 2025
As for the Irish they have a few outstanding players available such as Jacob Stockdale, 16.4 stars, Peter O’Mahony, 15.2 stars, Johnny Sexton, 15.1 stars, Sean O’Brien, 13.7 stars.
An outside shout is Ultan Dillane who has been outstanding over the past couple of weeks and is a steal at 9 stars.
#GuinnessSixNations
Here’s the Ireland team to play Italy on Sunday in Round 3 of the @SixNationsRugby Championship.#TeamOfUs #ITAvIRE #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/RdF7JNduIF— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 22, 2025
In terms of the bench, Joe Cokanasiga, 10.6 stars, Ali Price, 11.3 stars, Maxime Medard, 13.4 stars, Dan Bigger, 15.8 stars, Ian McKinley, 9.5 stars, and Josh Van Der Flier, 11.1 stars, are the top picks of each team’s benches.
We will have to wait and see what this round brings but for now here’s your guide.
