Rugby Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-07-18

Rugby Fantasy Overview — This Week's Landscape

The dust has settled on another tumultuous weekend of rugby, and while some truly bizarre scorelines have circulated across various platforms – seemingly transcending sports – our focus remains firmly on the actual Super Rugby and European club action. The key trend emerging is the continued dominance of attacking fullbacks and fly-halves in point-scoring, capitalising on expansive play. Injuries are a factor, with several prominent loose forwards sidelined, creating opportunities for bench impact players. Scheduling offers advantages for teams hosting weaker opposition, particularly those with a history of high-scoring home performances. Defensive lapses from mid-table teams are also proving a goldmine for fantasy points against top-tier attacking units.

Must-Start Plays — Top 3 Starters

1. Damian Willemse (Stormers, Fly-half/Fullback): Willemse (salary: high-tier premium) has been in scintillating form, a dual-threat at 10 and 15, racking up crucial fantasy points through both goal-kicking and line breaks. His matchup against a Lions side that has shown defensive vulnerabilities in midfield makes him an undeniable start. Expect him to orchestrate attacks and convert penalties consistently.

2. Pita Gus Sowakula (Chiefs, Loose Forward): Sowakula (salary: mid-range premium) offers immense value from the back of the scrum. He’s a tackle machine who consistently punches above his weight in contact, securing breakdown turnovers and crucial metres after contact. Against a Brumbies pack that can be stifling, Sowakula’s work rate will be essential, ensuring a high floor of fantasy points even if tries are scarce. His usage is high, playing nearly every minute.

3. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse, Scrum-half): Dupont (salary: top-tier elite) needs no introduction. His salary reflects his status, but he’s worth every penny this week. Facing a struggling Perpignan outfit, Dupont's opportunism around the ruck, sniping runs, and pinpoint kicking game will exploit any defensive lapses. His ability to create tries from nothing, combined with his high involvement in general play, guarantees a massive ceiling.

Bench These — Players to SIT

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