Round Two of the 2021 Six Nations gets underway this weekend with Ireland opening their tournament away to Wales and England taking on Italy.
We're here to bring you some tips on who to bank on this week!
If you haven't joined our league yet - there's still time to get involved!
There will be prizes for Overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as prizes for the highest score in each round. So even if you join late - you can still win prizes each round!
Prizes include:
€150 Cash Prize
TWO trays of your favourite NOCCO flavours
A signed jersey from Beibhinn Parsons
Her Sport Merchandise
& MORE
Wales vs Ireland
Wales and Ireland will do battle at the Arms Park. Last weekend, Wales were subject to a hefty 53-0 defeat away to France while Ireland prepare for their opening fixture of the tournament.
If you're looking to back the Irish, there's a number of different players you should have on your radar.
Beibhinn Parsons was the standout attacker in last year's campaign. The blistering winger made a fantastic 323 metres scoring three tries. With Ireland expected to continue to play an attacking and open style of play - Parsons is likely to rack up those points.
Linda Djougang could well be a gem you need in your side. The prop is a complete all-rounder who racked up 49 tackles last year with 252 metres carried. Her powerful game at a value of 10 stars is one to watch! Another power forward is Lindsay Peat who is a real try-threat and also at 10 stars, is one to keep an eye-out for.
Claire Molloy is widely regarded as one of the best flankers in the world. The back-row returned from her medical exam sabbatical to pick up the player-of-the-match against Italy last year. Blessed with an incredible engine and mind for the game, Molloy is likely to be at the heart of everything.
Finally, a little wildcard pick could be debutant Eve Higgins. The young star is making the transition from the Sevens format and could really excel alongside Sene Naoupu. Higgin's on the ball balance and poise has made her one of the most consistent performers on the 7s circuit.
Other people to keep an eye out for:
- Sene Naoupu
- Cliodhna Moloney
- Eimiear Considine
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Ireland Head Coach Adam Griggs has named his Match Day 23 for Saturday's @Womens6Nations game against Wales, including three uncapped players ?
More: https://t.co/VIBTiGyTF4 #ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/eltbx7iPqg
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 8, 2021
From a Wales perspective, despite the poor result some players did stand out and achieve decent scores.
Captain Siwan Lillicrap (12.7 stars) and Manon Johnes (11.1 stars) carried hard and impressed at the breakdown.
Those looking for value on the wing should consider Lisa Neumann otherwise a more expensive investment might be winger Jasmin Joyce. The sevens and fifteens Wales international is known for her sublime finishing and has been tearing it up for her club in Bristol so far.
#WalesWomen team to play Ireland
Warren Abrahams ?️We are all proud and privileged to represent the Wales jersey and our pain from defeat will make us stronger
FULL STORY ?️https://t.co/pNrTkXgLOE pic.twitter.com/MibqeWmLXM— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) April 8, 2021
Italy vs England
After a big win against Scotland last week, England have run the changes so make sure you are choosing players who are starting. The English team selected is here:
? @EnglandRugby have named a much-changed line-up for their match with @Federugby ??@sarah_hunter8 returns as captain for her first international action in 13 months ? #WomensSixNations pic.twitter.com/fXyNHvZeYX
— Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 8, 2021
The Cleall twins have to settle for the bench this time around after picking up mammoth points against Scotland. England's skipper, Sarah Hunter is back in the side after missing out last week and could well be out to make a statement.
Harlequins’ Winger Jessica Breach scored huge last week and is set for more. Known her her rapid acceleration and try scoring prowess, Breach is a no-brainer.
Emily Scarrett is another player that is a must-have. England's record point scorer had a quiet game last week for her standards and against Italy she is likely to rack up those points.
Ellie Kildunne is in the side at fullback this week and is known for being a regular try scorer for her country. At 14.6 stars she could be a wildcard pick.
As for Italy, all three back-rowers – Elisa Giordano, Giada Franco and Ilaria Arrighetti – are worth considering but up against England they could have their work cut out.
Of the backs, captain Manuela Furlan is listed as a full-back in Fantasy Rugby but will lead the side from the wing against England, potentially opening up more try-scoring opportunities for a player priced at 14.5 stars.
Furlan herself identified scrum-half Sara Barattin (14.0 stars) as her must-pick going into the tournament and sometimes there is just no substitute for experience – the 34-year-old will be winning her 96th cap at the weekend.
The 23 year old scored six tries on her debut against Canada in 2017 and was sizable factor in England’s back to back Six Nations win last year.
?? Manuela Furlan starts on the wing in an experienced @Federugby side to take on England#WomensSixNations pic.twitter.com/S3vgRX25Yk
— Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 8, 2021
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