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The Women’s Six Nations starts this weekend and for the first time, you can pick a Fantasy XV on the Guinness Six Nations website. If you don’t follow women’s rugby, or only watch the international fixtures, choosing your team might be difficult, especially as the Premier 15s fixtures are not on television.
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You should still take part, however, as fantasy teams are a great way to learn about different players who you might not have noticed before. Here is the RugbyPass Six Nations Fantasy XV based on the rule of having no more than four players per squad.
15. JESSY TREMOULIERE (France)
One of the best-known players on the France side, she is a powerful, fast, clever player who has been a successful kicker at Test level and provides a good back up for other kickers in the Six Nations Fantasy XV in case of injury. Some people have placed Tremouliere at fly-half in their fantasy teams, but she has played full-back for some time. Another option is Chloe Rollie, one of ten contracted players for Scotland. The full-back joined Harlequins from Lille Villeneuvois a couple of years ago and has also recently been named in the Team GB Sevens squad.
14. JESS BREACH (England)
Known for her quick breaks and fast pace, this try machine for England and Harlequins will guarantee points and will not disappoint. She is a fan favourite and absolutely deserving of a place in a Fantasy XV. France’s Cyrielle Banet is another great winger. She scored four tries in last year’s championship and is a solid choice if you have already used your four England players.
13. EMILY SCARRATT (England)
The first pick in any Fantasy XV Six Nations squad. She is the best outside centre in women’s rugby and one of the best players of all time. Any fantasy squad that doesn’t have Scarratt in it isn’t worth having.
'In primary school it was fine. I played football with the boys & rugby, I was in their team, but when it got to secondary that is when I did get called names for it' @zoeharrison123 talks to @heagneyl ??? about bullying, kicking & having the last laugh https://t.co/LKF95HE0KF
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 28, 2021
12. BEATRICE RIGONI (Italy)
The only Italian starter in this Fantasy XV, although some others were close. She is one of the standout players on the Italy side.
11. JAZ JOYCE (Wales)
The Bristol Bears winger has done more to engage people with women’s rugby than the entire Welsh Rugby Union. Clips of her tries often end up on social media. Her defence is also fantastic, which is not always the strong point for women’s rugby wingers. Another option is Scotland’s Rhona Lloyd.
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10. ZOE HARRISON (England)
England greatest fly-half Katy Daley-McLean recently retired from international rugby, but her apprentices have been on fire in the Premier 15s and it’s an impossible choice between Harrison, Megan Jones, and Helena Rowland. At the moment, Harrison feels like the best choice – she is a fantastic kicker and a well-disciplined playmaker – but my heart is calling out for Jones. She has been one of the best players to watch in this season’s Premier 15s and her offload could cause a lot of trouble in the Six Nations. Rowland is also excellent. I’m stuck with this one, but I’m going to stick with Harrison.
9. PAULINE BOURDON (France)
Scrum-half is a competitive position. Lots of great players in contention and I have settled on the France star. Keira Bevan of Wales is another good choice, as is England’s Leanne Riley.
1. ANNAELLE DESHAYES (France)
Despite an unfortunate injury in the 2020 Six Nations, where she was injured just two seconds after coming on against Italy, she is a great choice at prop.
2. CLIODHNA MALONEY (Ireland)
The Wasps hooker has 23 caps for Ireland. England’s Amy Cokayne may be a natural front row pick – and an absolutely brilliant one – but we can only have four players from each team. Moloney is one of the most impactful players in an Irish shirt and deserving of her place here. Italy’s Melissa Bettoni is another solid candidate.
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3. LEAH LYONS (Ireland)
The Ireland forward plays both hooker and prop, making her a good versatile pick to have in a fantasy squad. She has 25 caps and has scored five Six Nations tries.
4. POPPY CLEALL (England)
As someone who can play both second row and No8, the powerful, aggressive and dominant Saracens forward is a versatile player who has been ripping through opponents in the Premier 15s. To get a taste of Cleall in action, watch the Saracens vs Harlequins thriller from last weekend which is available here on YouTube. When you can only have four players from each team in your Fantasy XV, it is important to choose those who will have huge impacts. Apart from Scarratt, few have a bigger influence in an England jersey than Cleall.
Shaunagh Brown has set her sights on a first Women's Lions tour. @_JessHayden ??? talks to inimitable @EnglandRugby prop @ShaunaghBrown https://t.co/0K9DY4iDg3
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 22, 2021
5. SAFI N’DIAYE (France)
One of the more experienced in France’s side, she is a common presence in various Fantasy XVs – including being named in the Dream Team following the 2014 Rugby World Cup.
6. RACHEL MALCOLM (Scotland)
The Scotland captain mostly plays at blindside flanker but she can play anywhere in the back row, making her another versatile addition to this team. The Loughborough Lightning player only started playing in 2015.
7. CLAIRE MOLLOY (Ireland)
The most-capped player in the Ireland squad and an absolute starter in this Fantasy XV. She has developed under Giselle Mather’s leadership at Wasps but has long been one of the best players to watch in the Women’s Six Nations and one of the best women’s players Ireland have ever had. Italy’s Giada Franco is another fantastic option for this position.
8. SIWAN LILLICRAP (Wales)
The Wales captain is always near the top of the Six Nations chart for tackles made and is a hard worker. If you are looking for more Welsh representation in your fantasy team, Lillicrap is a solid option.
I guess that makes me the manager of this Fantasy XV squad. My management style is somewhere between Wayne Pivac (for the curtains) and Eddie Jones for his love of dogs. This team is a strong one, but a healthy debate would be welcome on this. I’m starting a fantasy league on the Six Nations website and I will post a link on my Twitter: @_JessHayden. Join the league and beat me. The winner gets a Six Nations jersey of their choice, courtesy of the tournament’s organisers!
We're delighted to announce broadcast details and kick-off times for #WomensSixNations 2?0?2?1?!!! ???https://t.co/qWq40qChRa
— Guinness Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) March 23, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to comments