Fantasy Rugger - Round Nine

The big rugby news this week was the announcement of the 41 players that will form the British and Irish Lions. Those named will face what is certain to be a very tough task as they travel to face a three Test series against the All Blacks.

Alongside this they will be tested against the best that New Zealand has to offer around the country as they face the Super Rugby franchises and NZ Maori. We take a look this week at the in-form players they could face in All Black or in their franchise colours. Sign up for Fantasy Rugger for all the latest stats here

FB          Damien McKenzie                         Chiefs                  $6.2m

McKenzie has been in scintillating form this season for the Chiefs. The threat he poses coming into the attacking line out the back is second to none. Whilst he has also shown his aptitude at slotting into first receiver more often at times this year. Against the Force this weekend there should be plenty of space for him to attack and add to his already impressive tournament score of 106.40. He must surely be seen in black this June against the Lions but he faces stern opposition from around the country for the full back jersey.

W          George Bridge                                Crusaders          $4.8m

The Crusaders have had an impeccable run to start the Super Rugby season. They are yet to lose a match so far in 2017 and relatively unknown winger has been particularly impressive. Bridge is another in a long line of young players to be produced by the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby factory line. They simply cannot stop producing top class rugby players. The Crusaders are excelling at the moment through team performances but Bridge stands out above the rest in terms of points on the board scoring 60.10 so far.

SH          Aaron Smith                                   Highlanders       $7.5m

This man will be giving British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland nightmares. He just continues to get better and better. Despite a well-publicised off the field incident last year, Smith has hit the pitch looking more dangerous than ever. Whilst the Highlanders are under-performing this year, he has excelled once again. With plenty of rugby left to play his side have the chance to get themselves back into contention for the Finals and Smith will undoubtedly be spearheading the charge. The fiery scrum half has racked up 84.70 points this season.

C            Ngani Laumape                             Hurricanes         $5.1m

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There are plenty of candidates in the Hurricanes side to go on this list. With Laumape being one of two players to have scored over 100 points in seven games of Super Rugby. The centre has an impressive 121.90, thanks to his efforts in attack as he tops the competition with eight tries. Playing outside a player of the calibre of Beauden Barrett, there is always going to be space to exploit but it is the manner in which Laumape has done it. He must surely be a contender for the All Blacks especially if he can continue his rich vein of form.

The Blues have the bye this weekend but they certainly have a number of players in contention for the All Blacks. Whilst they will also have an eye on a win over the touring Lions when they meet up in Auckland.

SH          Augustine Pulu                               Blues                   $4.5m

It is hard to see Pulu taking the All Black jersey from Aaron Smith or TJ Perenara but he is a man in form. He has been causing defences havoc all season and will be pivotal in potential win over the British and Irish Lions. Before all that though the Blues need to focus on keeping themselves in contention for the Finals. Pulu edges Matt Duffie as the most in form player for the franchise by 0.30 with a score of 76.30. His willingness to attack from anywhere has given the Blues plenty of front ball whilst his kicking game has given them a new edge.

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