2018 STOCK MARKET RD 7

This weeks Stock Market sees a few 1 week pickups, the return of a legend and the potential future of the Blues under the magnifying glass.

Last week I mentioned Naiyaravoro's form from the bench, stating he is worth the pickup in the hope he is named this week after their bye. Well, I hope you listened as the barnstorming winger has been named to start against the Brumbies this weekend. Hopefully he makes minced meat out of Speight too make it look like I know what I am talking about!

Blue Chips:

Dan McKellar: "Pocock we need you mate".

David Pocock (BRU) BACKROW - The long awaited return of Pocock is upon us this weekend, however will he fill his fantasy prophecy and return to his 2016 form?

He has stated this his time in Japan has helped him improve on his weaknesses i.e. running with ball in hand. Which if true could only strengthen his value however, it is unknown whether the law changes around the ruck will have a negative effect.

My expectation (pulled from thin air): A tier 2 backrower who averages mid to high 30s.

Rising Stocks:

Melani Nanai (BLU) OUTSIDE BACK - The only think holding Nanai back from rising like the cream of the crop is talent the Blues have in their outside backs. When he starts he is a genuine fantasy machine, something we can expect to see until at least the return of SBW in 5-7 weeks.

The absence of Money-Bill all but assures Reiko Ioane to stay in the centres, providing Nanai with the start. From his 3 last starts he has scored an average of 45, however Moala coming off the bench saw his minutes reduced in his last outing.

Bill Meakes has been named for his 2nd start for the Rebels

Bill Meakes (REB) INSIDE BACK - After a breakout 2017, many fantasy coaches have been wandering how long we had to wait to see Meakes starting for the Rebels.

With some strong structures put in place and surrounded with talent, I would expect to see an improvement from last year's Points Per Game of 25.8. I wouldn't be expecting scores in the high 50 each week though.

Co-captain Tom English was dropped to the bench last week to make way for Meakes, however the continued absence of Dane Haylett-Petty for another week has seen him return to the wing.

Smokies:

Jonathan Ruru (BLU) HALFBACK - Brother of ex-Force member and now Rebel Michael, Jonathan is set to make his Super Rugby starting debut for the Blues. This live wire halfback had a solid showing for Otago in last seasons Mitre 10 Cup.

Hopefully we will see some of elusive running that saw his previous selection in the New Zealand 7's side.

Stephan Perofeta (BLU) FLYHALF - For the Blues and Perofranchise, or Pero-future as Rene Ranger named him, the future is now. The 21 year old has had a few strong cameos from the bench over the last few rounds and he is now set to ignite a rejigged Blues backline this weekend.

The Auckland based side has always had a talented filled side, however they have lacking a world-class flyhalf since the departure of Carlos Spencer way back in 2005.

Could he be the long term answer for the Blues? Could he be the long term answer for your fantasy side? Only time will tell.

Potential 1 Weekers:

Vince Aso (HUR) INSIDE BACK - The lethal midfield combination of Laumape and Aso is reunited this week thanks to a sternum injury to Matt Proctor.

Aso bagged 14 tries from 13 matches last season and is a solid pickup this week for anybody looking for a likely 1 week player.

He will have to pull a few tricks out of the bag to remain in the starting side when Proctor makes his return, which we assume should be next week.

Matt Faddes (HIG) INSIDE BACK - As the boys stated, in my absence, on this weeks Fantasy XV Draft Podcast (found on all the places you would listen to podcasts), Faddes knows how to cross the line and score some fantasy points when he gets given the chance. Something he has been provided this week, coming into the Highlanders starting XV against the Chiefs.

If you are looking for a centre to fill a void in your team for this week, this could be your man.

Written by Nelson Dale