Rugby
Nick Bewley 6y

Fantasy Rugby 2018: Week four Six Nations preview

Rugby, Six Nations

The penultimate round of the Six Nations and ESPN's Fantasy Rugby 2018 could make or break your side and the hunt for bragging rights. Ireland, still searching for a Grand Slam, host a resurgent Scotland before England look to bounce back against France in Paris.

Then it's off to Cardiff where Wales will want to rack up a big score over Italy. As always, ESPN breaks down what you need to do to get the edge for this weekend's games.

Fixtures:

Mar. 10, 2.15 p.m. GMT - Ireland vs. Scotland

Mar. 10, 4.45 p.m. GMT - France vs. England

Mar. 11, 3.00 p.m. GMT - Wales vs. Italy

Where am I going to score points?

Your eyes might be fixed on Saturday's action where the Six Nations title could be decided but it's Sunday's clash between Wales and Italy which should bring fantasy points in spades.

Wales have shown real signs of promise against the three best sides in the competition despite a record that reads one win and two losses. Italy, for all their efforts, are destined for another wooden spoon.

So stack your side with the full compliment of Wales players available! Steff Evans has been in great form on the wing while Liam Williams has the potential to run rings around the Azzurri defence.

Who should I transfer out?

You're bold if you have him in your side already given his disciplinary record, but a tight calf muscle for England captain Dylan Hartley sees him ruled out this weekend.

Injuries continue to mount in Ireland's midfield with Chris Farrell -- who delivered a man of the match performance a fortnight ago against Wales having replaced the injured Robbie Henshaw -- set to be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to knee ligament damage.

And be wary which Welsh players you have in your side this weekend. Coach Warren Gatland has made wholesale changes to his starting fifteen with the likes of Josh Navidi and Aaron Shingler earning a rest.

Who should I bring in?

It's a big ask expecting a player to pick up from where he left off from the first whistle on return from injury, but such is the talent of Ireland centre Garry Ringrose that it would be remiss not to consider him in your side.

He's been out of action since December with an ankle issue, but is set to make a timely return in the Ireland midfield alongside Bundee Aki. Elsewhere, Richie Gray is a big boost and will add some muscle to Scotland's pack while Scarlets flanker James Davies is an exciting prospect who could cause havoc on his debut for Wales.

Who should be my kicker?

Again, it's hard to look past the Wales game against Italy but with Leigh Halfpenny on the bench, the kicking duties are likely to lie with fly-half Gareth Anscombe. He's a pretty sharp operator off the tee and should rack up plenty of points if the form guide plays true and Wales score plenty of tries in Cardiff.

If he's already in your team, which is the case for many, Owen Farrell is a safe option. England know they need to deliver after a disappointing loss to Scotland if they want to push Ireland in the final round of the Six Nations next weekend, so that should lead to plenty of goal-kicking opportunities for the Saracens playmaker.

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