2018 STOCK MARKET RD 6

Blue Chips:

Franco Mostert (LIO) LOCK - The shift to flanker came to fruition in Rd 5 as Mostert looked at home around the paddock, albeit against the Sunwolves.

He took home 59 points, making double the runs and over triple the metres he does at lock. He also managed to maintain his work rate in defence, the only stat that looked worse for wear was his lineout takes.

Hands up if you are excited to see the return of Du Preez

Jean-Luc Du Preez (SHA) BACKROW - The upper middle class man's Jaco Kriel returned to the bench in Rd 5, making a big impact when he took to the field.

Last year's 7th ranked backrow bagged 34 points in 26 minutes, earning them mainly with ball in hand. He made 8 runs for 44 metres and busted a whopping 7 tackles!

Promoted back to the starting side this week, expect to see him posting some big numbers for the rest of the season.

Hold – watch this space:

Elliot Dixon (HIG) BACKROW - Dixon seized the opportunity presented by Liam Squire going not returning to the field after oranges due to a fractured thumb.

In his 40 minute cameo he took home his fantasy coached 42 points, dotting the ball down for a try after a strong run.

After falling out of favour with coach Jamie Joseph last year and Squire not expected to return for 4 to 6 weeks, will we see Dixon return to his scintillating 2016 form?

Im not sold, he would be on my bench at best.

Rising Rookies:

Caleb Timu (RED) BACKROW - Timu has continued on from his great form in the 2017 edition of the National Rugby Championships.

Timu has really started to hit his stride with ball in hand since skipper Scott Higginbotham was sidelined due to ill discipline.

The question stands, will we see the pre-Higginbotham's absence Timu (Rd 2- 2 runs, 8m) or post-Higginbotham Timu (Rd 5- 12 runs, 110m and 6 tackle busts) when his skipper returns this weekend?

Filipo Daugunu (RED) OUTSIDE BACK - Daugunu has started demonstrating the talent that saw him rise to fame in Queensland during last years National Rugby Championships.

His two starts this year have seen him average 44 points whilst bumping 4 defenders off each outing. This seems to defy physics seeing as he stands at a petite 5'9".

His fast feet and a backline inside him that is willing to throw the ball around make him an interesting prospect moving forward.

Falling Stocks:

Ramone Samuels (STO) HOOKER - Samuels has been impressive to date this season, however we think its time to trade him in at his peak.

The return of Scarra Ntubeni will likely see him returning to the bench, so heed my warning.

Smokies – Buy Low Sell High:

Taqele Naiyaravoro (WAR) OUTSIDE BACK - Naiyaravoro stamped his name on the Waratahs' thrashing of the Rebels on Sunday.

In just 30 minutes he bumped 3 defenders on his way to bagging a brace of impressive tries and running in 113 metres with ball in hand.

The bloke looks amazing and surely it cant be long before he earns himself another start. I would consider picking him up and holding him on your bench in hope that he gets the nod next week.

Written by Nelson Dale