Fantasy Rugby: Can Nadolo and Folau keep scoring big?

Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau should score big again this week. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo has become a Fantasy lock in the second half of the season. Can he continue the run in Dream Team Fantasy Rugby?

The Crusaders host the Force tonight, which going on recent form suggests will have plenty of Fantasy points on offer. Crusaders back Nemani Nadolo ($9,340,000) produced his second 40-point game of the season last weekend against the Highlanders to continue his impressive season.

The winger has now scored 224 Fantasy points in nine outings which puts him up there with Israel Folau (9,450,000) who has scored 241 points also in nine games. No reason to think he won't continue his run tonight.

The returning Kieran Read may be the reigning IRB player of the year but he remains to be avoided in Fantasy having scored just 19 points in the last three games before his concussion break. In terms of backrowers tonight, Matt Hodgson will be one to watch for the Force having scored 30+ points in the last two weeks.

The Highlanders are in Brisbane tonight and despite a loss last week, had strong performances yet again from Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa. The Reds are coming off a bye and have a poor record against high-scoring backs - which yet again should mean good news for Smith and Fekitoa owners.

Israel Folau's Waratahs face the Chiefs tomorrow in New Plymouth - the 'Tahs coming off a big win and the Chiefs a big loss. In previous seasons and even a month ago that might seem like a stay away game but based on last week's performance against the Hurricanes, you'd be pretty confident Folau, and the rest of his Fantasy friendly teammates, could expose the Chiefs' defence for a second straight week. Michael Hooper is also one to consider after another strong outing last week.

The Blues gave up plenty of Fantasy points to Sharks forwards last week which could be good news for the likes of Dane Coles, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush and Jack Lam at Eden Park tomorrow. It's hard to ignore Julian Savea after his 44 -point effort last week while for the Blues Lolagi Visinia ($7,680,000) is becoming a cheap and reliable option with 20+ in four straight games.

Jason Woodward (8,610,000) remains the topscoring back and easily the most productive with 319 points from 11 games. He's also still much cheaper than Folau and Nadolo. The Rebels play the Bruimbies in Canberra tomorrow and last time the two sides met Woodward scored 52 Fantasy points in a 32-24 victory. The Brumbies are returning from South Africa, where they lost both encounters and could be set-up for another defeat.

Etienne Oosthuizen had a big game for the Sharks against the Blues scoring 26 points. Possibly an aberration since it's the only the second time he's scored double digits and the second week in a row he was forced to lift his tackle count with his side reduced to 14 men. The Sharks return home after a long road trip to host the Stormers who are regaining form - possible stay away game.

This is the final week before the international fixtures and be aware that the five South African teams all have the bye following the break. So it may be wise to use transfers this week to reduce your number of South African based players in case you're stuck with them in round 17. The Cheetahs also have the bye this week which leaves the likes of Boom Prinsloo, le Roux, Johann Sadie, Heinrich Brussow and Johan Goosen out of action for the next two rounds.

Get the latest fantasy advice from Dr Stats Thursdays at 6.25pm on Radio Sport with D'Arcy Waldegrave.

Picks and misses

Top pickup
Jason Woodward, Rebels

Value pickup
Lolagi Visinia, Blues

On the bench
Quade Cooper, Reds (out for season)
Charles Piutau, Blues (out indefinitely)
Luke Burgess, Rebels (out up to 8 weeks)
Lionel Mapoe, Lions (out indefinitely)
Courtnall Skosan, Lions (out indefinitely)
Derick Minnie, Lions (out indefinitely)