Stock Market Round 11

Written by Alexander Nabung.

Blue Chips:

Richie Mo’unga (CRU) Flyhalf – This superstar should be coming back next week after not being named against the Brums. He’s been gone since round 3 with a broken jaw and was a 50/50 chance to play this week but the safe option was taken and probably rightly so as they are playing an Australian team. He was the second best flyhalf last year with an average of 46.5 and I expect him to continue this trend. If he is available, I would highly suggest to get him in your outfit. He won’t let you down.

Rising Stocks:

Shannon Frizell (HIG) Backrow – I wrote about him in last week’s piece as a smokey pick but he confirmed that he now owns that number 6 jersey. The stars align for Shannon and Shannon owners as Liam Squire is gone for another 6 weeks with his fractured thumb (see casualty ward). He scored a huge 91 points against the Blues with 3 tries, 7 runs, 60 run metres, 3 linebreaks and 2 tackle busts. The stats go on with ball in hand but he is effective around the park too with 14 tackles. He is a fantasy manager’s dream if you have him and looks like a juggernaut when he’s against you. Fear the big man if you don’t get him.

Couldn't resist posting this gem of a photo from 2017. Warrick Gelant had eyes only for the ball and put a clearing kick right up Jan Serfontein's backside.

Warrick Gelant (BUL) Outside Back – He looked sluggish at the start of the season but Warwick now looks like he’s kicked into gear. The last two games have seen him score 50 and 63 points respectively. Against the Rebels he ran the ball 9 times with 123 run metres, 9 tackle busts and 2 line breaks. Yes it was against the Rebels but now we are starting to see what all the fuss was about preseason. His name is getting thrown about in articles for Bokkies in June. It definitely helps that the Bulls now have a system where they get the ball out wide. Even unknown names like Kotze and Roussow who are on the wings are getting fantasy points. Gelant has cemented his position at 15 and is now a key player for the Bulls.

Hold:

Madosh Tambwe (LIO) Outside Back – He has taken his starting opportunities with both hands and has shown he is the real deal. I doubted him even after his #RyanQuaddy but he is a class finisher and is absolutely electric. Everytime he gets his hands on the ball it looks like something is going to happen. Signs of a good player. He hasn’t failed to score a try in the last 3 games and keeps clocking up run metres, tackle busts and line breaks. The threat is that the Lions have some great wing options coming back but hold him for as long as you can.

Hacjivah Dayimani (LIO) Backrow – I wouldn’t completely say he’s earnt to keep his spot in the team but with Warren Whiteley sent home with his recurring knee injury the jersey is his for the Lion’s tour. He’s a solid option with a last 3 game average of 27.7 and put in a full 80 last week but he’s not one to blow the roof off. He will be a good option though this week against the Reds.

Sell, Sell, Sell:

SP Marais (STO) Outside Back – Last year SP was the 2nd best outside back with an average of 52.6. Now he’s struggling for a start. He’s fallen out of favour with the Stormers setup and this is truly devastating for SP owners because we all know how many points he is good for. Try and trade his last year’s name from someone in good form.

Smokeys/Keep a close eye for:

Tim Bateman (CRU) Centre – He was solid last week at outside centre and is named in the same position this week. He scored 38 points last week in torrential rain and I expect him to go just as well against the Brumbies this week. He doesn’t come up on manager’s radars and would be available in most drafts. Jack Goodhue will be back next week we think. Something to think about.

Finlay Christie (HUR) Scrumhalf - Absolutely a one weeker here as Finlay Christie has not played a minute of Super Rugby in 2018 and to be fair he has played many in the years before that either. However he looked dangerous in the Brisbane Global tens to kick off the season this year and is getting a starting run to prove his metal against the Sunwolves. We're suggesting he is a good chance to possibly sneak in a try. Again, I repeat, they are playing the Sunwolves. Should be enough said.

MAKE THE RUGBY GODS PROUD. DO THE RIGHT THING.

Written by Alexander Nabung.