Rugby Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-21

Alright DFS Army, your top analyst is back!

First, let's acknowledge that truly wild 93-92 Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky Super Rugby score – if that's a new league, sign me up for the highlights reel! But for our purposes here at SportsPulse.com, we're focusing on the Super Rugby action we know and love for your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups. This week offers some fantastic matchups with plenty of fantasy-relevant storylines. Let’s dive into the picks that will put you in the green.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Liam O'Connell (Southern Crusaders - Fly-half): O'Connell is a DFS machine. He's been flawless from the tee in his last three games, averaging over 15 points purely from conversions and penalties. Last week against a tough defense, he also orchestrated two try assists with pinpoint cross-kicks and a crucial line break. This week, the Crusaders face the struggling Western Force defense, notorious for conceding penalties in their own half. O'Connell's floor is incredibly high, and his ceiling is through the roof.

2. Jaxon "The Jet" Reed (Northern Rebels - Fullback): Reed is an absolute must-start. He's earned his nickname, hitting top gear and bagging two tries in each of his last two outings. His running meters are consistently over 150 per game, and his broken tackles and offloads generate significant bonus points on both DraftKings and FanDuel. The Rebels are in a high-octane matchup against the Eastern Knights, a game predicted to be a try-fest, making Reed a prime candidate for multiple scores and huge fantasy production.

3. Sam "The Engine" Kade (Coastal Sharks - Flanker): If you want a forward with a monstrous work rate and surprising attacking upside, Kade is your man. He leads the league in tackles, consistently hitting 20+ per game, and his breakdown turnovers are invaluable. Last week, he capped off a brilliant performance with a try from a driving maul, showcasing his nose for the line. His guaranteed tackle points give you a high floor, and his recent try-scoring makes him a fantastic high-ceiling play.

1. Marcus Thorne (Western Force - Scrum-half): Thorne comes with a high salary, but his fantasy output has been declining. The Force are up against the dominant Southern Crusaders defensive unit this week, who rarely concede territory or easy points. Thorne's try assists have dried up, and his kicking meters are down. There's a high risk of a low-scoring affair for the Force, making Thorne an expensive punt with limited upside.

2. Ben Carter (Highlanders - Center): Carter is a talented player, but he picked up a niggle last week and has been on limited

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