Fantasy Rugby World Cup 2023
The best fantasy rugby picks for your RWC 2023 squad
So, we have come to it at last, The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023!
At W RUGBY, we couldn’t be more excited for this tournament and wanted to share our Fantasy Rugby squad picks…but this time, with a difficult little twist.
I have set the challenge of making a Fantasy team, from 1 to 15. But, only using one player per country, and when I choose that player, their position is then locked out. This means that if I pick, for example a certain French superstar Scrum Half, then I can no longer pick a French player or a Scrum Half. Simple enough? Well, it has been a headache writing this…but a fun headache nonetheless!
These are players who I feel would be the best possible player in their team, who also fits the positional criteria. Disagree with any of my choices? Make your own starting squad and see how they compare. I would love to see your suggestions! I have also put some other key suggestions for each of the 15 countries too, so feel free to use these when putting together your team.
As of writing this article, I have no new information on which Fantasy competitions will be running, some teams have not announced their full squad, and some players may get injured. Keep an eye on any Fantasy announcements and team-sheets for updated news.
Good luck, and as always, I’ll see you in the pools!
1. Prop – Ellis Genge – England – Throughout the years, Genge, for me, has been a Fantasy staple. He carries hard, makes an absurd amount of meters for a prop, and is always finding ways to gain valuable points. The Bristol Bear is a key player in keeping my Fantasy tally ticking over, game after game. Is he England’s most important player going into the World Cup? He’s definitely up there.
Other key players – Ben Earl, Freddie Steward, Ollie Lawrence
2. Hooker – Codie Taylor - New Zealand - Trying to pick one player from this current All Blacks squad is a headache in itself, but Codie has made this almost too easy for me. The caped Crusader is a try-scoring machine; racking up over 50 tries for club and country! He is in hot form, and if you find him at the back of a maul anywhere near your try line, chances are, he will score.
Other key players – Will Jordan, Richie Mo’unga, Ardie Savea
3. Prop – Guram Gogichashvili - Georgia - Mark Twain once said, “Nothing is Certain except death and taxes.” Surely, he meant to say “Death, Taxes, and a terrifying Georgian pack”. Gogichashvili is carrying the flag for Georgian scrums and has racked up 37 appearances for Georgia at the tender age of 24. He also plays in the Top 14 for Racing 92, so you know he is used to packing down against quality opposition.
Other key players – Beka Gorgadze, Luka Matkava, Akaki Tabutsadze
4. Lock – Eben Etzebeth – South Africa – It’s quite something to be known as the enforcer of the Springboks, and Eben Etzebeth is a player who quite literally never takes a backward step. He is abrasive, makes meters, and always lifts his team, no matter the opposition. South Africa will be looking to secure as much front-foot ball as possible, and Etzebeth’s contribution will be invaluable. Also, don’t discount his ability to score points from lineout steals!
Other key players – Malcom Marx, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Pieter-Steph Du Toit
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5. Lock – Chris Vui – Samoa - I have a soft spot for players who have helped me throughout my time in Fantasy, and Chris Vui is one of those players. The second Bristol Bear on this list, he is a dynamic loose forward who, like many southern hemisphere players, enjoys running around people just as much as running through them. He's a points machine in Premiership Fantasy, and I expect him to have a fantastic World Cup. Don't forget, he's sometimes listed as a lock but can also play as a flanker. A nice positional bonus if it comes up!
Other key players – Lima Sopoaga, Theo McFarland, Ben Lam
6. Flanker – Jac Morgan – Wales – Captain Jac himself, in my opinion, is going to be Wales’ key player in this World Cup. His carrying ability, slick running, and unrelenting defence are reasons why I pick him for every game possible. His first warm-up game against England provided just a taste of what he's capable of, and I know he will be making a statement in every match he plays in. Jac has a huge tournament ahead, and I can't wait to see him shine.
Other key players – Louis Rees-Zammit, Taulupe Faletau, Rio Dyer
7. Flanker – Josh van der Flier – Ireland – The Grand Slam champions are coming into the competition with a whole roster of talent, but none stand out more to me than World Player of the Year, Josh van der Flier. His work rate around the park is phenomenal. He ticks the boxes in nearly every metric of scoring that the Fantasy game offers, and he's always in my team when he plays. (Unless I face a headache choosing between him and Doris; but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.)
Other key players – Calean Doris, Dan Sheehan, James Lowe
8. Number 8 – Kazuki Himeno – Japan – The rise of the Japanese number 8 has been impressive, and his form has only improved since he appeared on the scene. The captain of the Brave Blossoms is a joy to watch, bringing immense passion to every performance. With extensive experience in Super Rugby, he understands both victory and the dedication required for a strong performance. A prime example of a player carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders – and relishing every moment of it. Japan prefers a fast and loose style of play, making Himeno a good choice to rack up valuable points in your Back Row selection.
Other key players – Inagaki Keita, Michael Leitch, Kotaro Matsushima
9. Scrum Half – Antoine Dupont – France – The first player I chose for this list. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the game, you'll recognise the formidable presence Antoine Dupont commands on the field. He's consistently in my Fantasy team and rarely lets me down in terms of points. His skill set is unmatched, and I can't envision any other scrum half coming close to dethroning the Turbocharged Toulousian.
Other key players – Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Thibaud Flament
10. Fly Half – Finn Russell – Scotland – Picking a fly-half is always challenging, but in my view, no other fly-half in the World Cup, perhaps except for Richie Mo'unga, can rack up points like this Bath-bound maverick. Russell simply radiates quality, and his overall game is electrifying. Finn not only scores tries but also covers meters, assists, kicks, and seamlessly integrates into fantasy lineups. Scotland has a lot on the line in this "pool of death," and I believe Finn will pull out all the stops to ensure they advance from the group stage.
Other key players – Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, Pierre Schoeman
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11. Wing – Mark Nawaqanitawase – Australia – The NSFW, NSW Winger is among the brightest talents in the Australian team. While he boasts only three international caps, he's already notched up two tries for the men in gold. His strike rate for The Waratahs speaks volumes, and he seems to effortlessly rack up meters. Possessing strength, agility, and blistering speed, he embodies all the desired attributes of a superstar winger. Select him, and watch the points roll in. One thing about me: I never sleep on “Marky Mark”.
Other key players – Will Skelton, Fraser McReight, Marika Koroibete
12. Centre – Semi Radrada – Fiji – Another Bristol Bear? (Well, ex-Bear, but it still counts!) There must be something special in the water down in the South West. Semi Radradra embodies the essence of “champagne rugby”. He boasts the size of a forward, the speed of a winger, and the distribution skills of a half-back. Combine these attributes, and you have a player who is poised to dismantle any team. Points from centres might be rare, but Semi could be the game-changer to clinch those pivotal ranking spots for you.
Other key players – Levani Botia, Sam Matavesi, Jiuta Wainqolo
13. Centre – Malaki Fekitoa – Tonga – The Munster-based centre might have had a subdued beginning in the URC, but his confidence grew in volumes, propelling Munster to their eventual league championship. Fekitoa is known for his powerful carries and has a knack for delivering try-scoring passes. Don't underestimate his capacity to pivot a game's direction and rack up those crucial Fantasy points.
Other key players – Charles Piatau, Augustine Pulu, Sione Vailanu
14. Winger – Ange Capuozzo – Italy – The Italian speedster epitomizes the term “fixture proof.” No matter the game, Capuozzo usually leaves a mark. Whether he's playing at home, on the road, or up against formidable opposition, Capuozzo glides through defences as if they're chasing shadows. Although currently sidelined due to injury, anticipate a grand comeback from this incredible Italian speedster.
Other key players – Sebastian Negri, Federico Ruzza, Monte Ioane
15. Fullback – Emiliano Boffelli – Argentina – Rounding out the list is Argentine superstar Emiliano Boffelli. The Edinburgh fullback consistently showcases his skills alongside one of the most thrilling backlines in World Rugby, and his contributions to his national team are nothing short of exceptional. He's the kind of fullback who's always at the forefront, and his goal-kicking prowess can earn you those extra, unexpected points — especially if your Fantasy setup accommodates multiple kickers or if your preferred fly-half isn't on kicking duties. Never overlook a utility player, especially one with world-class abilities like Boffelli.
Other key players –Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Carreras, Julian Montoya
Now, I know that we have 15 teams but I couldn’t leave out the other 5! So here are my under the radar picks for the remaining 5 countries. There is some exceptional talent here so don’t sleep on them!
Uruguay – Santiago Arata – Scrum Half– I've always enjoyed watching Uruguay play, and they boast some impressive talent in their lineup. The standout among them is Santiago Arata. This dynamic scrum half is an integral part of Los Teros’ World Cup aspirations. His electric runs combined with an insatiable desire for quick ball make him a player to monitor throughout the tournament. Uruguay made waves in the last World Cup by defeating Fiji, and I'm certain Arata will be aiming to transform such outcomes from exceptions to expectations.
Namibia – Johan Deysel – Centre Namibia has long been a fixture at the Rugby World Cup, gracing the tournament with their presence 7 times out of 10, but have yet to secure a win in a pool game. This year, Deysel intends to change that narrative. At 31, this midfield powerhouse is amongst the chosen few who've managed to score against The All Blacks during a World Cup. He's geared up and eager to help his team make their mark on this year’s competition. Don't underestimate this forceful runner; he vows to press forward, regardless of the opposition.
Romania - Taylor Gontineac – Centre – Now, I like having a good roster of centres to choose from as the position is quite a difficult one to excel at in Fantasy Rugby. Gontineac, however, is a reliable choice, irrespective of the matchup. Having graduated from the esteemed ASM Clermont Auvergne academy, he currently showcases his talent in the ProD2. His performance in Romania’s Rugby Europe championship this year was nothing short of pivotal. Netting 6 tries, he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players. A budding centre in top form, mastering his craft amidst the tumult of the ProD2? Count me in!
Portugal - Raffaele Storti – Wing – Portugal is entering this World Cup eager to make a statement, and they have the firepower to back up that ambition. One standout talent is Raffaele Storti, who never fails to captivate spectators with his dynamic play. His knack for touching down tries, combined with his passion for the game makes him a must-watch on the field. Currently shining with Stade Francais, Storti is poised to translate his Top14 successes to World Cup brilliance. He’ll be turning heads throughout the tournament, I’m sure of it.
Chile - Rodrigo Fernandez – Fly Half– What do Lalakai Foketi, Chris Harris, Louis Rees-Zammit, and Edoardo Padovani have in common? Well, Rodrigo Fernandez, beat them all to clinch the 2022 World Rugby Try of the Year with a sensational solo effort that grabbed headlines worldwide. Fernandez remains the heartbeat of this vibrant Chilean squad, and as this World Cup witnesses a special focus on Fly-Halves, this dynamic Chilean playmaker is set to leverage his 7s expertise and make more headlines for his country.
Words: Edward Tristram (Superbru I.D - Paulshinfo)
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