Rugby Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-05-28

Welcome back, DFS enthusiasts! It was another wild week in Super Rugby, and while some of you might be scratching your heads at that 84-74 scoreline (we’ll just say it was… unconventional), the fantasy points were flowing for those who made the right calls. This week, we're cutting through the noise to identify the absolute must-plays and crucial fades for your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups. Let’s get straight to it and dominate the slate!

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Liam O'Connell (Fly-half), Golden Coast Titans: O'Connell is in scorching form, averaging 28.5 fantasy points over his last three outings. He's not just a reliable kicker (90% success rate on conversions and penalties this season); he's become a genuine attacking threat, leading all fly-halves in try assists with 5 and adding 2 tries of his own. Facing a struggling Western Wolves defense that has conceded the most points in the league, O'Connell is poised for a monster day with a high floor and immense ceiling. Lock him in. 2. Kieran Vance (Fullback), Stormers RFC: Vance is the definition of a high-upside play right now. Last week, he exploded for 3 tries and over 150 meters gained, translating to a massive 42-point performance. The Stormers are running a wide-open attack, and Vance is the primary beneficiary, getting involved in nearly every attacking move. Against a Southern Knights team that struggles with kick returns and maintaining defensive structure, Vance is a prime candidate for multiple line breaks and another try-scoring spree. 3. Sam 'The Hammer' Miller (Flanker), Pacific Islanders: If you want a guaranteed tackle machine with a knack for turnovers, Miller is your man. He's averaging an absurd 18 tackles per game this season, often adding 5-7 carries and 2-3 breakdown steals. His consistent work rate provides an incredibly high floor, rarely dipping below 20 fantasy points. This week, the Islanders face the Bay City Bears, a team that often plays a high-possession game, meaning more tackling opportunities for Miller. He's a safe bet for significant production.

1. Josh Reynolds (Scrum-half), Western Wolves: Reynolds is returning from a hamstring strain, and while he’s technically cleared, reports suggest he's unlikely to play the full 80 minutes. The Wolves are also facing the league-leading Golden Coast Titans, whose defense is stifling. Reynolds' fantasy output relies heavily on his running game, which might be limited due to his recovery, making him a risky play at his current salary. Avoid the temptation. 2. Anton Du Plessis (Lock), Southern Knights: Du Plessis is a solid player, but his recent form and matchup make him a bench candidate. He’s averaging just 10 fantasy points over his last two games, with a noticeable drop in carries and lineout wins. This week, the Knights are up against the physical Stormers pack, which is known for dominating the breakdown and lineout. Du Plessis is overpriced for his likely production against such a formidable opponent.

1. Rory McGregor (Scrum-half), Highland Reivers: McGregor is starting due to an injury to the regular scrum-half, and he’s coming in at a dirt-cheap salary. He showed flashes of brilliance off the bench last week, with quick service and a surprising eye for the try line. Against a Coastal Sharks team that struggles with defensive continuity around the ruck, McGregor could easily exceed his value with a few accurate passes and a cheeky snipe. 2. Ben Carter (Lock), Bay City Bears: Carter is known for his lineout prowess, and this week he faces a Pacific Islanders team that has been notoriously shaky in their set-piece. At his low salary, a couple of lineout steals or strong carries could see him hit tournament-winning value. He's a specialist play that could pay off big.

Marcus 'The Magician' Thorne (Centre

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