Fantasy Rugby: The quiet accumulator

Christian Lealiifano is low-priced but a high scorer. Photo / Getty Images

With 10 rounds of Fantasy Rugby out of the way, Cameron McMillan looks at the players who should be picked up and those who need to be given the axe

Hot

Christian Lealiifano
The Brumbies five-eighth is the value pick of the competition on 155 points as the top scoring option in his position after another strong 23-point outing against the Reds last week. He is priced at only $8,310,000; eight other five-eighths are more expensive than the Brumbies number 10 who faces the Force this week. The Force rank fifth in points allowed this season, while the Brumbies are tied in first place.
Tip: Pick up now.

Jake Schatz
The Reds backrower has scored 20-plus points in three straight weeks to become the third loosie in his side to pass the 100 mark this season (joining Ed Quirk, 123, and Liam Gill, 116) with 109 in nine outings. A try in each of the last three weeks obviously helps but he also continues to increase his tackle count. Priced at $5,610,000, he may be a better option than Liam Messam or George Whitelock, who are priced $1 million higher, but surely his try-scoring run will end soon. Blues, Force and Sharks fixtures ahead are points-friendly games.
Tip: Leave alone. Cheaper options available.

Heating up

Morne Steyn
Another in-form five-eighth, the Bulls and Springboks number 10 has recovered from a two-point effort against the Reds in round seven to score 63 in the past three weeks. Steyn was nine from 10 with the boot over the past fortnight, and has a nice home stretch in front of him facing the Waratahs, Hurricanes and Highlanders. He's top dollar and finally starting to prove why.
Tip: Consider. Lealiifano is a better option, but keep a close eye on Steyn in future weeks.

Brad Shields
The backrower has quietly been collecting points for the Hurricanes and is 13th best in his position, with 114 points. Only two players ahead of him in the points standings are priced cheaper so he is a decent bargain to go with Cheetahs duo Pieter Labuschagne and Philip van der Walt. Shields scored 25 points last week against the Force, close to his season best of 26 against the Kings. The Hurricanes go on the road after tonight's clash with the Stormers which could stop his run of form.
Tip: Consider as a third backrower, but look to drop if the 'Canes struggle in South Africa.

Cold

Aaron Cruden
The All Black had another disappointing outing last week against the Waratahs, scoring only three points for the second consecutive week. Not having the kicking duties has hurt Cruden this season; he has scored only 68 points from eight games compared with teammate Gareth Anscombe (123) who ranks fourth amongst five-eighths despite playing fullback. For the third week Cruden's price has dropped but he remains the fifth most expensive five-eighth despite being the 14th ranked in points.
Tip: A big stay away.

Hosea Gear
The Highlanders winger will be glad his side have the bye this week as they pick up four competition points. Gear scored -7 points over the last two weeks as the winless Highlanders continue to offer very little for Fantasy players.

Block of ice

Cobus Reinach
The Sharks halfback now holds the record for lowest score in a game after a -11 outing against the Cheetahs last week. Reinach knocked on seven times in his side's defeat.