The Stock Market Round 9

Written by new Fantasy XV Draft recruit, Alexander Nabung. Nabbers has filled in on the podcast for us before and will be stepping up and in for Nelson over the next couple of weeks whilst he is off on his honeymoon (and hopefully losing fantasy footy as a result).  

The Stock Market Round 9

Hot off the press! Make the best informed decisions so you can maximise those fantasy profits.

Blue Chips: (Strike while the iron’s hot!)

Ruan 'The Punisher' Combrink (Lions - Outside Back) – No bench warming to start off for the bokkies flyer. He added that cool head and left boot kicking option for the Lions which allowed Elton Jantjies show his flair and play his natural game. Although he only scored 27 points last week, I expect some massive upside with Ruan. He averaged 48 points last year and is a good reason he is a shoe-in for the Springboks. You can’t miss this opportunity!

Warren Whiteley (Lions - Backrow) – The Springbok captain is going to be back in Round 10! We will wait to see whether it will be via the bench or starting. My guess is that he will be starting as they have the bye this week. De Bruin seems to get his big players back on pitch, starting asap. Combrink above, case in point. He started the comp well with 51 and 31 points respectively and I think the Lions have missed him dearly especially with some crucial decision making. You can’t go wrong with the Bokkies captain.

Rising Stocks:

Toby Smith (Hurricanes - Prop) – Good to see the Wallaby prop back in the starting lineup for the Canes after being sidelined from concussion since round 2.  He keeps his head down and does all the hard work around the field, lots of tackling and carries. He's the kind of workhorse you want in a prop. He’s solid in the scrum - especially now paired with Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, expect to see the Canes’ scrum smash their opposition. As a benchmark he was 3rd best fantasy prop last year.

Hold:

Caleb Timu (Reds - Backrow) – My fellow FantasyXV colleagues have given him some lip on the podcast but I’ve always thought he’s a solid option especially after winning MVP of NRC in 2017. His fantasy points don’t lie either. He’s got an average of 40.5 points with at least 10-14 runs and 70m-110m per game over the past 4 rounds. His consistent tackle breaking is also impressive and I think a vital cog in the Red’s backrow. Manager’s that did have him were worried whether he would be starting consistently but now with Higginbotham gone for the next few weeks (see the Casualty Ward for more info), you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy watching the big man play.

Sell, Sell, Sell?:

A whole bunch of Crusaders are coming back after their bye this week, mainly in the front row and this should have really been done last week but do what you can. You will see the return of Owen Franks and Wyatt Crockett (Joe Moody was meant to return but has reinjured himself and will be out longer). This leaves managers who own Mike Alaalatoa and Tim Perry in a bit of strife. Pick up their incoming blue chip replacements or use your wits now to sell or trade them.

I would also look at maximising on profits for Mitch Hunt. Richie Mo’unga has a good chance of playing in rd 10 (and against the Sunwolves - How Good!). Pick on those other draftees who are struggling to keep up with their life and draft balance and put them to the sword. The rugby gods favour the strong. Lastly I wouldn't be thorough unless I mentioned Israel Dagg and Keiran Read. Izzy Dagg is expected to be available for selection next week and you'd have to think he will be on the bench, the question is whether he can crack it back into the starting side at the expense of David Havili (something to think about). Read however said on a Radiosport NZ interview today that he won't be back till late June - dissapointing!

Smokeys/Keep a close eye for:

I’m giving away my hot tips here so listen up. Listen up good.

Dan Du Preez (Sharks - Backrow) – He is expected back this round or the next and had an average of 29.5 points last year (came off the bench and injured), but his last name speaks for itself. His brother's are tearing it up on the field and are a big reason as to why the Sharks are performing so well. Not only that, but his father is the coach – of course he’s going to be picked ahead of Tera Mtembu, otherwise he’s going to get done for favouritism. Dan lives in Jean-Luc’s shadow at the moment especially in the fantasy world with Jean-Luc having an average of 45.8 points. The thing is, they are twins. Built the complete same. If I can’t get Jean-Luc, I want the closest thing. Get him in my lineup.

If you have a twin, do you even need to sub? Just don't list them on the teamsheet, hide them in the lockeroom and send out the other twin after half time?

Frans Malherbe (Stormers - Prop) -  We expect the SAFA prop back in rd 10 and boy have we been waiting. The thing is, due to his injury he’s given the props behind him the chance to shine and have they ever. Wilco Louw has taken this opportunity with both hands and the coaches have suggested rotation between the props. If he does start expect some big things from him. He’s always been one of the top fantasy props over the past few years but Proceed with caution as he will be rotated to the bench.

Semisi Masirewa (Sunwolves - Backrow!) – The classic one weeker.  If you need a quick hole to fill, he’s your man, even Izzie Folau can jump on this one. Masirewa was finding alot of space against the waratahs last week and he has got some toe on him. All you need to know though is that he is a winger listed as backrower. Enough said.

MAKE THE RUGBY GODS PROUD.

Written by the supersub, Alexander Nabung.