The Fantasy Rugby Championship kicked off with fireworks in Round One, and it was Australia’s stars who lit up the leaderboards.
Harry Wilson led the charge with a massive 72 points, thanks to a two-try performance in the Wallabies’ thrilling comeback win over the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg. He edged out Argentina’s playmaker Tomás Albornoz, who piled on 68 points with a try, three conversions and a strong running game against the All Blacks. Completing the top three was Wallabies fullback Tom Wright, whose electric form produced a try, an assist, 107 running metres and two line breaks for 63 points.
It was a golden round for Australia, with five of the top 10 Fantasy scorers wearing gold jerseys. Backs Wright, James O’Connor, Max Jorgensen and Joseph Sua’ali’i all featured prominently.
For the All Blacks, the standouts were two-try stars Sevu Reece (47) and Samisoni Taukei’aho (43), alongside Fantasy favourite Ardie Savea (42). Taukei’aho also claimed top hooker honours, just edging Argentina’s warrior Julián Montoya (40). What made Taukei’aho’s haul even more remarkable was that he entered the game from the bench late in the match – meaning every Fantasy manager bold enough to back him pulled off a genuine masterstroke. Those who trusted the impact player were rewarded with one of the weekend’s biggest point swings, turning what looked like a gamble into a stroke of Fantasy genius.
When it came to selections, it was no surprise that Savea (73%) and Will Jordan (68%) were the most popular picks among Fantasy managers, with Sua’ali’i (52%) not far behind. Jordan also carried the weight of the captaincy – 28% of managers backed him as skipper, doubling his 39 points to big effect. These three were already among the most popular choices in Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific earlier this year, and they’ve continued to pay dividends for managers in the international game.
At the very top of the leaderboard, Argentina fan Alvaro Araya (team: Tulio) set the early pace with a massive 762 points – finishing a full 63 clear of second place and claiming the Week 1 prize.
With the Wallabies firing, the Pumas producing big scorers, South Africa surely wanting a win at home, and the All Blacks’ heavy hitters always a threat, the stage is set for another thrilling week in the Fantasy Rugby Championship.
So far, fans have gone all in on Fantasy Rugby Championship with more than 8,000 private and public leagues already up and running. That’s thousands of rugby communities battling it out, sharing the banter, and adding extra spice to every match. And the best part? There’s still plenty of time to jump in! Over the next five game weeks you can create your own team, start a league with your mates, and turn every try, tackle, and turnover into bragging rights.