Fantasy Rugby: Finding replacements for Chiefs and Blues stars

With the Blues, Chiefs and Bulls all having a bye this weekend, there are some crucial holes to fill in many fantasy squads.

Last weekend we saw one of the lowest-scoring fantasy rounds of the year as the Cheetahs, Sharks and Blues all posted season-low team totals. These previously fantasy-friendly sides were balanced out by the Crusaders' performance against the Reds which resulted in season-best scores for many of their squad.

The Reds conceded their third-straight monster score and so Rebels fullback Jason Woodward again looks likely to post a big score. Despite delivering an unexpected clunker last weekend, I'm still backing him to rebound on Saturday night. However, don't count on any of the other Rebels players as sure bets.

Woodward is the ultimate replacement for owners of Blues fullback Charles Piutau or Chiefs utility Tim Nanai-Williams who are some of a large group of widely-owned players on the bye this weekend.

Also missing will be popular fantasy stars Tony Woodcock, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick, Jacques du Plessis, Liam Messam, Steven Luatua, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Gareth Anscombe.

As far as front row replacements are concerned, James Slipper ($3,850,000) is my pickup of the round as he plays a Rebels side conceding plenty of points to front rowers.

In the locks, look to the Crusaders v Sharks fixture where Sam Whitelock ($5,140,000) is sure to shine in a crucial match for both sides.

Those looking to replace the dynamic Chiefs duo of Messam and Cane could find solace in Wellington where Shane Christie ($3,780,000), if he starts, has a great matchup with the Hurricanes. Michael Hooper ($6,340,000) is also a great play against the Lions on Sunday evening.

Other great pickups for the round are Ben Smith ($8,850,000), Malakai Fekitoa ($7,720,000) and Andre Taylor ($7,720,000) who are all in great form and set to play big roles in the New Zealand derby on Friday night.

Andre Taylor has been a particularly good play for fantasy squads since returning from injury. When using the Herald Rugby Stats Centre to compare with premier fullback Ben Smith, Taylor is averaging more metres, clean breaks, and defenders beaten per game which shows the potential value he can bring to your team.

In team and injury news so far this week - Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles is out injured and teammate Alapati Leiua will start from the bench against the Highlanders. Lima Sopoaga is likely to miss another week for the Highlanders with Hayden Taylor starting but not looking likely to be a great fantasy play.

Cheetahs half back Sarel Pretorius will start from the bench against the Force while Stormers hooker Deon Fourie is back in the starting lineup for the Stormers.

Get the latest fantasy advice from Dr Stats Thursdays at 6.25pm on Radio Sport with D'Arcy Waldegrave.