Fantasy Rugby: Select your finalists and load up the best

Nemani Nadolo of the Crusaders is a must for any fantasy team. Photo / Getty Images

Use maximum transfers before tonight to score well in semifinals

Predicting who will make the Super Rugby grand final will play a large part in which players to target in the latest round of Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby.

Once again we said goodbye to some valuable assets over the weekend, this time from both the Chiefs and Highlanders squads.

However, if you followed my advice and loaded up on Brumbies and Sharks players you should still be in a manageable position going into the final two rounds.

You have 10 transfers to use before 6pm tonight and you can select a maximum of six players from each team - so I would recommend loading up that maximum player amount from the two teams you believe will progress to the final.

The bookies have, so far, been right on the money in predicting Super Rugby playoffs and this week they are backing the Waratahs and Crusaders to win, so let's have a look at the best options from their squads.

The Waratahs face a Brumbies side that has conceded the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game this season - though they have given up a lot more away from home - and tend to give away big fantasy games to front rowers and five eighths.

Given that, Benn Robinson ($3,720,000), Tatafu Polota-Nau ($3,260,000) and Bernard Foley ($8,770,000) are elite pickups this week.

Also very strong plays from the Waratahs include Michael Hooper ($6,490,000), Nick Phipps ($6,110,000), Israel Folau ($9,530,000) and Adam Ashley-Cooper ($9,280,000).

The Brumbies, as well as being underdogs, face a stingy Waratahs side when it comes to fantasy points. Your best bets for strong plays from their squad are Scott Fardy ($4,750,000) and Jarrad Butler ($3,660,000).

The other fixture of the round sees the Crusaders host a Sharks side that is the best team in the competition at shutting down fantasy points in opposing sides.

However, there is hope, as the Highlanders were able to buck that trend and rack up some big games last weekend so let's all hope that happens again.

I'm picking Sam Whitelock ($5,310,000) as the second row play of the round while Nemani Nadolo ($9,510,000) is a fantasy monster and must-own.

Other Crusaders worth owning include Wyatt Crockett ($4,160,000), Matt Todd ($6,760,000) and Colin Slade ($9,030,000).

From the Sharks your options are limited - but if you believe in their title hopes, target Stephan Lewies ($3,320,000), Francois Steyn ($9,290,000) and Lwazi Mvovo ($9,090,000).
As always, check in at the NZ Herald Rugby site for any last-minute injury news to any of the squads before making your weekly transfers.

Tune in to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport every Thursday evening from 6:20pm to hear Dr Stats give his full round preview.

Top pick:
Bernard Foley, Waratahs

Value pick:
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Waratahs

On the bench:
No notable injuries.