Rugby Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-05-21

Welcome back, DFS fanatics! Your SportsPulse.com analyst is here to cut through the noise and give you the actionable intel you need to dominate your DraftKings and FanDuel Rugby slates this week. Forget the fluff; let's talk winning lineups.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Damian McKenzie (Fly-half, Chiefs): McKenzie is in blistering form, a DFS cheat code right now. Last week against the Blues, he delivered 18 points from kicks and added a try, racking up 7 defenders beaten and 95 meters carried. His dual threat as a kicker and open-field runner makes him an absolute must-start, especially with the Chiefs facing a defensively weaker Rebels side this weekend. 2. Will Jordan (Fullback, Crusaders): Jordan continues to be a try-scoring machine. He's crossed the whitewash in three consecutive games, including two last week against the Highlanders, alongside 120+ meters carried and two line breaks. His high ceiling for tries, combined with consistent attacking statistics, makes him a foundational piece for any lineup. 3. Ardie Savea (Loose Forward, Hurricanes): Savea is a points vacuum in the loose forward position. Last week, he led all forwards with 22 tackles, 15 carries for 60 meters, and secured two crucial turnovers, even snagging a late try. His relentless work rate across all facets of the game guarantees a high floor, and his try-scoring ability gives him elite upside.

1. Finn Russell (Fly-half, Bath): While Russell's talent is undeniable, he's coming off a high-scoring but inconsistent performance, missing crucial kicks and making some uncharacteristic errors. This week, Bath faces a formidable Leinster defense, known for stifling playmakers. His high salary isn't justified by the potential risk of a lower output against such a tough opponent. 2. Louis Rees-Zammit (Winger, Gloucester): Rees-Zammit has been quiet for two weeks running, failing to score a try and seeing limited attacking opportunities. Gloucester's current form isn't helping, and they're up against a Sale Sharks team with a dominant defensive backline. His ownership will still be high, but the potential for a bust at his price point is too great.

Two Value/Bargain Plays Under Salary Cap

1. Fraser Dingwall (Centre, Northampton Saints): Dingwall is consistently undervalued. He quietly racks up tackles (15+ last two games), makes hard carries, and rarely misses a beat defensively. At his low salary, he provides a reliable floor and frees up significant cap space for your star players. 2. Joe Marler (Prop, Harlequins): Props often get overlooked, but Marler is a gem. He's surprisingly active in open play, making 8-10 carries and 12+ tackles per game, significantly higher than most props. He's also a strong scrummager. For a bargain price, he offers a surprising amount of utility and point potential.

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