Rugby Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-16

Welcome back to the SportsPulse scrum, DFS fanatics! After a truly wild 78-58 Golden State Valkyries victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, it's clear that attacking rugby is king in Super Rugby fantasy. We need to capitalize on these high-scoring affairs, so let's dive into the picks that will put you ahead on DraftKings and FanDuel this week.

Top 3 Players to START This Week:

1. Aaliyah Thorne (Golden State Valkyries, Winger): After last week's astonishing 78-point performance, Thorne is a no-brainer. She crossed the whitewash three times and racked up over 150 meters with ball in hand, showcasing blistering pace and incredible finishing ability. She's in phenomenal form, and the Valkyries' attack is rolling. Don't overthink this one; get her in your lineup. 2. Finn O'Malley (Austin Stampede, Fly-half): O'Malley is the epitome of a high-floor, high-ceiling play. He consistently converts his team's tries and slots penalties at an 80%+ clip. Beyond the boots, he's the orchestrator of Austin's attack, leading to try assists and clean breaks. He offers reliable point production with the potential for explosive plays, making him a cornerstone of any DFS team. 3. Tama Latu (Dallas Wranglers, No. 8): For a powerful forward option, look no further than Latu. He leads the Wranglers pack in both carries and tackles, demonstrating a relentless work rate. Latu scored a crucial try two weeks ago and is a constant threat at the breakdown and from close range. His consistent tackle and carry numbers provide a solid floor, with significant try-scoring upside.

Top 2 Players to SIT/BENCH This Week:

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