From Finn Russell to Damian Penaud – the Six Nations Fantasy League game changers for Round One

Rugby’s oldest international tournament is back and what a game to kick off with.

In Marseille we have a colossal Six Nations opener as favourites France host a suffocating, ambitious and talented Ireland side, who will be looking to make a huge statement away from home as defending champions.

With the start of the Six Nations comes the return of the Fantasy League and while rugby icons like Owen Farrell, Jonny Sexton and Alun Wyn Jones are no longer involved and Anton Dupont is concentrating on the Olympic sevens, there are a host of other brilliant players waiting to light up the tournament.

Finding the right mix to produce a winning team from six different nations is a real challenge, particularly with so many exciting new names to choose from.

So who should you be looking at to give you that winning edge and bragging rights over your friends?

talkSPORT has identified the round one ‘game changers’ for your Fantasy team…

Friday: France v Ireland, Stade Velodrome, Marseille 

The try scoring wizard: Damian Penaud (France) 
Position: Wing

Penaud is the joint most expensive player to select, but that’s for a reason, the Frenchman is simply world class and arguably the most prolific try scorer in world rugby. 

He has scored a ludicrous 35 tries in 48 tests and if anyone can crack the Irish defence, it’s Penaud. With players earning 10 points for a try and 2 points per defender beaten, Penaud is an outstanding fantasy pick.

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Saturday: Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico, Rome 

The breakdown nightmare: Ben Earl (England)
Position: Back row

If you could craft a back row forward with pace, power and breakdown excellence it would be Ben Earl.

At the 2023 World Cup in France, Earl emerged as England’s most valuable player, knocking  mainstay and Saracens teammate, Billy Vunpola out of the way to command the famous number 8 shirt, propelling the English to an unlikely semi-final. 

Earl will torment and frustrate Italy on both sides of the ball and this will certainly generate a plethora of points. Although he costs 17 stars, that’s a bargain for an ultimate fantasy league player.

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The line out king: Maro Itoje (England)
Position: Second row

King of the skies and a nightmare for the opposition hooker trying to find his team mates, Itoje is arguably the most disruptive line out specialist in the world. 

A line out steal is worth 7 points and a turnover 5 points, Itoje is a profoundly valuable option and he is likely to make a real impact against Italy in Rome tomorrow.

The super sub: Immanuel Feyi-Woboso (England)
Position: Wing

The sensational Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has lit up the Premiership for Exeter Chiefs this season, scoring the fastest try of the campaign taking just 35 seconds to touch down against Newcastle. His blistering Man of the Match performance against Bristol Bears just after Christmas had everything, triggering a tug-of-war between England and Wales for the 21-year-old’s services.

He qualifies for England through a family connection and he can bolster their previously stagnated and limited attack. He is well equipped to terrorise a tired Italian defence and earn you valuable fantasy points.

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Saturday: Wales v Scotland, Principality Stadium, Cardiff 

The maverick: Finn Russell (Scotland)
Position: Fly half 

Self described as the ‘Messi of Rugby’, Finn Russell knows how to grab the spotlight and many believe he is the best No10 in the word.

However, his critics would argue that his magic can sometimes backfire with serious consequences for the team. As the ultimate maverick, you have to take the rough with the smooth and there is never a dull moment when Russell is wearing the Scotland No10 jersey.

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Expect try assists, 50:22’s and goal kicking points from the magician which rightly makes Russell one of the most valuable players in the Six Nations.

The bolter: Cameron Winnett (Wales)
Position: Full back

This has been Cameron Winnett’s breakthrough season for Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship, generating real excitement around the young full-back with Welsh fans believing the wonderfully balanced player could be the long-term answer in that key position.

With world-class operator Liam Williams unavailable for selection following his move to Japan, the local Cardiff boy has an opportunity to impress Gatland and make the famous No15 shirt his own.

He may be relatively unknown but that makes Winnett a bargain and he can certainly cause Scotland problems on Saturday.