The Stock Market Rd 3

Welcome to the first ever Stock Market, the ideal place to find Fantasy Rugby value. This article should give you insight into who to buy and who to drop to stay ahead of your Fantasy XV Draft competition. If you want to look like a genius despite only doing a fraction of the leg work, this is the place for you.

Blue Chips - Buy! Buy! Buy!

Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes) (79pts Rd 2): It didn’t take him long to find his 2015 form with a hat-trick straight off the bat. If Milner-Skudder is still an option, buy him now. Right now!

Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes) (90pt avg!!): After showing signs of his awesome potential last year, he lost his starting spot to both Aso and Halaholo, but it looks like 2017 is his year after starting both the first two rounds. Things will surely get tougher than the Sunwolves and Rebels, but as a hard running crash ball style player he is sure to get plenty of carries (17 in Rd2 to be exact!).

Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)(36pts Rd2 off the bench): A solid start off the bench for Tuipulotu, he was a big part of the 14 man turn around against the Chiefs on the weekend. Articles over the last week have also said he looks extremely fit after training on his own all preseason. He was the 4th ranked lock last year, and probably didn’t play to his full potential, this main is a beast.

Sean Mcmahon (Rebels)(Avg 40pts 2016 ranked 2nd loose forward): Rated as a slight chance to return against the chiefs in Rd 3, although originally he was expected to miss the first 6 rounds. Snatching him now could be a master stroke.

Sleepers - Buy!

Hanro Liebenberg (Bulls)(44.5pt avg) : The 21 year old captained the South African U20’s side in 2015 got his first few caps at the back end of last year for the Bulls. Not only did he average 27pts a week then, but he is rated so highly that he is already the Bulls Vice Captain and getting a look in with the South African international side as a development player. He is sure to be a player your mates have never heard of, and a rock solid loosie for the full 2017 season.

Amanaki Mafi (Force) (43pts rd 2): The Japanese international is looking the goods at his new home, two games down and he has been the Rebels best in both games, he has a massive motor and should continue to score well.

Dan Kriel (Stormers) (38pts Rd 2): Looked good starting in place of De Allende in Rd 2, Should start for the next 12 weeks so could be a great smokey pickup that your mates haven’t considered.

Seabelo Senatla (Stormers): With Kolbe’s injury the former sevens flyer should start on the wing for the next 8 weeks. The Stormers new found attacking style and Senatla’s uncanny ability to finish tries he could be a real find, especially at $112k on Foxsports if you're a fantasy salary cap kind of guy (not how we play it!). Did i mention that he will be playing the Kings!

Harold Vorster (Lions)(50pts Rd 2): Vorster was the 7th ranked centre in 2015 but had his 2016 season ruined by injury. With the injury to Mnisi i'd be suprised if he didn't hold his spot atleast until Ruan Combrinck return in Rd 6-8. From there anything could happen with Mapoe currently running out on the wing.

[getty src="521483838" width="594" height="396"]

Long term investments: 

Matt Hodgson (Force): Expected back this week, he has been a rock solid fantasy man over the last few years. If you need to plug a hole in your squad, he may be the perfect players for you. Year after year this bloke has a massive work rate and scores consistent points. Enough said.

Hold - Watch this space

Vince Aso (HUR): likely will drop to the bench with Cory Janes return in the next few weeks. His form has been outstanding, maybe even good enough to make the coaches reconsider him as one of the sides top 2 wingers. A risky pick if you need someone long term.

Akira Ioane (Blues): This talented youngster can no doubt score some points, but with Jerome Kaino surely starting next week, his time may well be over soon. The important facts; Luatua’s 4 week ban, once he is back it will more than likely mean a shift to the bench for this point scoring machine.

Chance Peni (55pts rd 2): If you’re looking for a smokey with  a lot of upside, it might be worth taking this Chance. Against the reds Peni showed an excellent running game, an ability to break tackles and a good turn off pace. What i’d be watching: The Force’s draw. As well as he played against the Reds, i still can’t see the Force’s outside backs scoring heavily against quality opposition. You might not know - Peni is listed as a centre!

Ben Smith (Highlanders): With four concussions in the last five years he could be facing a long stint on the sidelines. There’s no way i’d be selling him yet, but make sure you stay on top of any news on his concussion.

Busts - Avoid these before the market crashes and sell!

Tevita Li (Highlanders)(34pt avg): He has been in outstanding form for the Highlanders so far, but with Patty Osbourne back on the bench this week it will surely be his last start for the season. No matter who they are, a benched player is a bad player. Time for Tevita to go.

Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes): With scores of 52 (Rd1) and 39 (Rd2) the party is surely over for Jordie in his debut season. With the return of Milner-Skudder it looks like Jordie will only start for the Hurricanes again if the All Black gets injured. 2018 might be the year for the brother of the worlds best player.

Edgar Marutlulle (Bulls): After a breakout year for the Kings in 2016 Marutlulle moved across to the Bulls in search of some more wins. After finishing last season with the 4th heighest avg for a hooker (43.15 pts) there is no way he is worth the time of day this time around. Both Strauss (due back in the next 1-2weeks) and Visagie are rated above him so he should barely see any game time. Definitely avoid this tempting buy like the plague.

If you missed it check out our Rd 2 summary and advice for Rd 3 Watch him Whip, Now Watch him Nehe and our up to date injury list at The Casualty Ward.

See you next week for more on the Stock Market. Good luck for Round 3!

Written by Harrison Dale