Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy: Hurricanes Dominate, Early Season Trends Emerge
Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific has delivered a clear message to fantasy managers: the Hurricanes are a force to be reckoned with. Fehi Fineanganofo’s explosive performance, coupled with consistent contributions from teammates, has reshaped the fantasy landscape. But beyond individual brilliance, emerging trends are starting to define the early stages of the season.
Fineanganofo and Harkin Lead the Charge
Fehi Fineanganofo’s massive 106-point haul, fueled by two tries and an assist, topped the charts in Round 2. Close behind was Callum Harkin, racking up 103 points without even crossing the strive line, highlighting his consistent all-around value. These performances underscore the Hurricanes’ potent attack and the potential for significant fantasy points from their key players.
Beyond the Hurricanes: Taukei’aho Sets the Hooker Standard
While the Hurricanes dominated the headlines, Samisoni Taukei’aho emerged as a standout performer outside of Wellington. He finished in the top five for the round with 83 points and currently leads all hookers with a total of 132 points after two rounds, establishing himself as the early benchmark at his position.
Selection Strategies and the Vaa’i Effect
Tupou Vaa’i was the most selected player of Round 2, appearing in 75% of all teams. Despite a modest return of 22 points, he avoided a price drop, offering some relief to managers who backed him. This demonstrates the importance of considering player popularity alongside potential point-scoring ability, particularly when navigating price fluctuations.
Captaincy Considerations: Jordan Delivers
Captaincy choices largely paid off, with Will Jordan being the most popular selection, trusted by 21% of users. Jordan delivered 62 points and earned a $0.3m price increase, even with the Crusaders suffering a defeat. This highlights the potential for high-reward captaincy picks, even from teams facing challenging matchups.
Navigating the Challenges: Bye Rounds and Rising Stars
The Waratahs Bye and Jorgensen Replacements
Round 3 presents an immediate challenge for fantasy managers, as the Waratahs have a bye. A significant 56% of teams will need to find a replacement for Max Jorgensen, currently the second-highest scorer in the game with 146 points. Only Charlie Cale, with 189 points, has outperformed him so far.
Cale’s Ascent: A Form Fantasy Pick
Charlie Cale’s impressive start has translated into substantial price movement. The Brumbies forward has risen by $0.5m for the second consecutive week, solidifying his position as a top fantasy pick. His upcoming home fixture against the Blues presents a key decision point for managers.
Proven Performers Re-emerge
Last season’s proven fantasy scorers, Caleb Tangitau and Billy Proctor, found their stride in Round 2, posting 76 and 64 points respectively. These outputs resulted in minor price increases and are putting them back on the radar for managers looking to develop trades.
FAQ: Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy
Q: What is the impact of a bye round on my fantasy team?
A: Bye rounds require you to find replacements for players who are not playing that week. This can be a good opportunity to test out different players and potentially increase your team’s overall score.
Q: How crucial is player price in Super Rugby Pacific fantasy?
A: Player price is crucial. Rising prices indicate strong form, while falling prices can signal a decline in performance. Balancing value and potential is key.
Q: Should I always captain the highest-scoring player?
A: Not necessarily. Consider the player’s matchup and potential for points in that specific game. A slightly lower-ranked player with a favorable fixture could be a better captaincy choice.
Did you know? The Hurricanes scored 52 points in Round 2, the highest total of any team this season.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to price changes. Identifying players who are rapidly increasing in value can give you a significant advantage.
Stay tuned for further analysis and updates as the Super Rugby Pacific season unfolds. Don’t forget to share your team’s progress and discuss your strategies in the comments below!
