Picking a winning Fantasy Rugby team is not only about knowing which players will earn you points -- but recognising those star names who won't.
Now that we have the squads in for the first round of the Six Nations, there are plenty of names to go through as you finalise your team for ESPN's Fantasy Rugby game.
It's essential that your first round of selections will hold the court for the majority of the tournament as you can only make three free transfers in between fixtures otherwise it will cost you points.
So while you're making those last minute decisions in the lead up to the first game on Feb. 3, we've come up with three players you can simply gloss over who aren't worth your time.
Dylan Hartley (England)
He might be the England captain but he's a liability when it comes to the fantasy game. The Northampton Saints hooker has a rap-sheet longer than most people's arms having sat on the sidelines for more than 60 weeks in his career due to ill-discipline. He is a regular starter under Eddie Jones but the tide could be turning on that front too with Jamie George banging down the door for the No. 2 jersey. Hartley's not a renowned try-scorer either; he's certainly one to miss.
Mathieu Bastareaud (France)
Bastareaud is another player who has spent plenty of time in the dock in his career. The French midfielder -- who has recently received a three week ban for homophobic slur -- has the tendency of letting his emotions get the best of him. He came back into favour last autumn under Guy Noves, making his first three appearances since the 2015 World Cup but there's no guarantees he'll start or even feature much off the bench in what is Jacques Brunel's first campaign in charge.
Alex Cuthbert (Wales)
While Warren Gatland believes he can rediscover Alex Cuthbert's mojo, this writer isn't so sure. The Wales wing has shown some form for Cardiff Blues this season, but has failed to deliver for quite some time on the international stage with many pundits questioning his confidence. While his ill-discipline isn't the problem, when it comes to selecting your back three you want players who can guarantee you points. In Cuthbert, who has only scored one try in his last 14 Tests, and hasn't scored in the Six Nations in four years, the numbers speak for themselves.