<
>

Fantasy Rugby 2018: Who to pick in ESPN's free Six Nations game

With close to 200 names to pick from, settling on 15 of the best players across multiple positions for your ESPN Fantasy Rugby team can be quite the task. Luckily, we're here to help.

Our ESPN experts have gone through and selected three star players from each position that may help you claim bragging rights over your mates.

Outside backs

Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

One of Scotland's best players, Hogg is likely to accumulate points [if fit] with his attacking play and is a regular favourite for commentators when it comes to picking a man of the match.

Anthony Watson (England)

The England wing-cum-fullback has blistering pace that should see him score plenty of tries this Six Nations, the only problem is how often he plays such is Eddie Jones' luxury of quality outside backs.

Liam Williams (Wales)

A guaranteed starter when fit, Williams has every chance of being Wales' top try-scorer in the Six Nations this year such his skill to beat a defender on attack.

Centres

Owen Farrell (England)

Even when he starts in the midfield, Farrell has the ability to control a game and is likely to get plenty of points with try assists and defence. He's also a top choice to be your designated goal kicker.

Huw Jones (Scotland)

A break-out performer in 2017 who then succumbed to injury, Jones has all the attributes to pick up several fantasy points with his attacking skills. The Scotsman was the third best midfielder in our fantasy game last year.

Bundee Aki (Ireland)

A debutant in this Six Nations, Aki has already made an impression with his bulldozing carries and strong defensive work which is sure to make him a popular pick in 2018 fantasy teams.

Fly-half

Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)

After struggling with injury in 2017, Sexton should be a regular feature for Ireland this term. An all-round player who sets up teammates and isn't afraid to defend, Sexton would also be a strong contender to get the nod as your designated kicker.

Finn Russell (Scotland)

The best fly-half in ESPN Fantasy in 2017 is poised to deliver again this term. He attacks the line, regularly assists tries and is a strong candidate for man of the match awards. Another solid option to be your goal kicker, too.

Dan Biggar (Wales)

While he's not going to be your designated goal kicker with Leigh Halfpenny the first choice for Wales, Biggar offers plenty around the park and is a regular starter under Warren Gatland.

Scrum-half

Ben Youngs (England)

The England scrum-half has established himself as Eddie Jones' first choice, with his ability to snipe around the ruck for gaps in the defence likely to bring in plenty of fantasy points.

Conor Murray (Ireland)

In partnership with Sexton, Murray controls the game brilliantly and should accumulate fantasy points with try assists and the odd score himself.

Ali Price (Scotland)

After Greig Laidlaw sustained a broken leg, Ali Price showcased his talents during the recent November internationals with fast-paced play that gave Scotland an added dimension. If given regular game time, Price threatens to pick up fantasy points with his attacking play.

Front row

Mako Vunipola (England)

Fantasy points from the front row prove hard to come by but Vunipola might be an exception to the rule. He's a regular starter who defends admirably and is known to score the odd try from close range.

Ken Owens (Wales)

One of the first names on the Wales teamsheet nowadays, Owens is a workhorse around the park and could gain points with 10 or more tackles, or the odd try from the back of a lineout drive.

Guilhem Guirado (France)

It's unclear what sort of France side we will get this Six Nations after the sacking of Guy Noves, but captain Guirado is a reliable performer for Les Bleus who will want to lead from the front in 2018.

Second row

Jonny Gray (Scotland)

The Scotland lock gets through a mountain of work, with his tackle count per game sometimes exceeding 20. Gets over the try line occasionally and will bring in points with lineout steals.

Maro Itoje (England)

Itoje's athleticism and versatility makes him a fantasy favourite. Could start for England either at lock or in the back row, Itoje will provide lineout steals and big defensive shifts that could lead him to the odd man of the match award.

Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Despite coming towards the twilight of his career, Jones still leads from the front and will do so again as captain with Sam Warburton out injured. Jones will start games, tackle regularly and nab lineouts against the throw.

Back row

CJ Stander (Ireland)

One of the stars of the fantasy game last year, Stander is still capable of pulling it out of the bag for Ireland. He scores tries, runs hard and gets through plenty of defensive work.

Sergio Parisse (Italy)

The evergreen No. 8 is still key to Conor O'Shea's plans with Italy and combines a tireless work ethic with a brutish ball-carrying ability. Knows his way to the try line and will score points, even if the Azzurri don't.

Kevin Gourdon (France)

The La Rochelle star should be selected in more fantasy teams this year such was his output in 2017. He will run over 50 meters and make more than 10 tackles in most games, and with France playing three matches at home this year, the local commentators could pick him as their man of the match.