Fantasy Rugger - Super Rugby Conference Watch Round 3

Beware the Bye. Round Three of Super Rugby sees the start of 'Bye' weeks for certain sides, with the Rebels and Bulls the first teams to take a step back from the action. Christoper Duffy looks at some of the top performers and who you should consider calling in from the bench. This week we focus on the big men you could have starting in the pack. Check out every players stats and sign up at any time during the season here: Fantasy Rugger

Africa 1 Conference (Stormers, Bulls, Cheetahs, Sunwolves)

L. Pieter-Steph du Toit - Stormers - $4m

The Stormers will once again be the side to dominate this Conference. The firepower they have up front lays a solid platform for their outside backs to cause plenty of damage. Pieter-Steph du Toit is a vital cog in their scrum and a valuable man to have across the field. Against the Jaguares his impressive stats included 44 metres from 13 carries with 10 tackles made. This week his side face the Southern Kings and he could well be at his rampaging best against an opposition likely to be overpowered.

Africa 2 Conference (Lions, Sharks, Jaguares, Kings)

F. Jaco Kriel - Lions - $5.6m

As in Africa 1, there is only one side that appear to be comfortable in their Conference. Last year’s beaten Finalists, the Lions have continued their rich vein of form. Kriel has been at the forefront of their excellent performances in 2017. It is with ball in hand that he has impressed most, notching up a massive 86 metres against the Waratahs, as well as beating four defenders and setting up one of his sides tries. In defence, he has only missed one tackle from the 17 he’s attempted and kept his personal penalty count down to one.

Australian Conference (Force, Reds, Waratahs, Brumbies, Rebels)

H. Joshua Mann-Rea - Brumbies - $4m

Two narrow victories in a row for the Brumbies will have dented their confidence. The manner of defeat, however, shows plenty of hope for the men from Canberra. In the off-season, they lost several of their key leadership group including hooker Stephen Moore. Mann-Rea has excelled in his absence as the 36-year-old takes this first team opportunity with both hands. His try scoring effort against the Sharks boosted his stats alongside his ball carrying abilities. This weekend against the Force he has the opportunity to once again impress.

New Zealand Conference (Hurricanes, Chiefs, Crusaders, Blues, Highlanders)

F. Ardie Savea - Hurricanes - $6.2m

The Champions have been in blistering form, albeit against sides they would be expected to beat. Nonetheless they have absolutely torn apart both the Sunwolves and Rebels in the opening Rounds. They face their first true test of their 2017 credentials in Round Three as they face the Chiefs. Savea will be looking to replicate his stats against tougher opposition, after making 83 metres and beating six defenders. Whilst the Chiefs will pose a sterner test, he certainly has the explosive power and skills to take on anything they have to offer.