Fantasy Rugger Round 7 - South Africa

After all the love for the Australian’s in Round Six, it’s only right that we take a look at the other nation under pressure. With the Springboks misfiring in 2016 and talk of two sides losing their Super Rugby status next year. Maybe South African rugby needs some positive attention more than Australia at present. Let’s take a look at the four best performing South African players of the tournament so far. You can sign up for Fantasy Rugger at any time during the season here

FB          SP Marais                         Stormers            $5.2m

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The Stormers full back is having an incredible season so far. A true test of his credentials, however, will come this weekend as his side faces their first Kiwi opposition of the year in the Chiefs. Marais tops the South Africans in the team of the tournament with 77.20 points. It is his work with ball in hand from the back that is scoring him fantasy points and plaudits. His average metres per game are a particularly impressive 128. Should he and the Stormers overcome the test against the Chiefs, expect Marais to score high again.

F            Jean-Luc du Preez           Sharks                 $4.4m

Consistency is exactly what you look for in a flanker and du Preez has certainly delivered that. With ball in hand, he has looked dangerous throughout the competition making plenty of hard metres. Whilst his work rate without the ball has been tremendous. The Sharks went agonisingly close last week against the Lions and have looked a much improved side this season. Du Preez has been at the head of this resurgence scoring 75.60 points this year.

FH          Lionel Cronje                   Kings                   $4m

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As many would have expected the Kings have once again struggled in Super Rugby this season. With their only win of the year so far coming against the Sunwolves back in Round Two. Despite this, Cronje has cemented a place for himself in the team of the tournament so far. Scoring 71.40 points in the opening Rounds. Kings fans can only imagine what their side would be capable of if they had a full XV of the quality of Cronje. The Kings potentially face the axe in 2018 but Cronje is ensuring that they go down swinging.

W          Dillyn Leyds                      Stormers            $4m

Leyds has impressed for the Stormers this year as his side have looked to play more openly with the ball in hand. He and Marais have been rewarded with spots in the team of the tournament XV due to their team’s willingness to play attacking rugby. Something that may well have not happened in the past. Leyds’ four tries coupled with the number of defenders he’s beaten has boosted his score to 62.00. Again, his quality will be truly tested against the Chiefs this weekend, especially in defence. As the Chiefs ran riot last time they were in Cape Town scoring 60 points.

Written By Christopher Duffy