Rugby Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-06

Alright, Pulse Nation, let's get down to business! Ignore that wild 85-80 result between the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun – that's basketball, not our brutal, beautiful game of rugby! We're diving deep into the Super Rugby action this week, dissecting the matchups to give you the winning edge on DraftKings and FanDuel. Let's stack some cash!

Top 3 Players to START This Week:

1. Will Jordan (Crusaders, Fullback): Jordan is an absolute must-start. His recent form is simply electric, with 3 tries and over 150 running meters in his last two outings. He's a consistent threat from anywhere on the field, with a knack for breaking tackles and finding space. Against a mid-tier defensive unit this week, expect Jordan to be heavily involved in attacking plays and rack up huge fantasy points through meters, tries, and tackle breaks. 2. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes, Flanker): Savea is the engine room of any fantasy lineup. He's averaging an incredible 18 tackles per game over the past three weeks, along with 2-3 breakdown turnovers. His work rate is unmatched, guaranteeing a high floor of defensive points. Furthermore, he’s always a threat around the ruck and in open play, often popping up for crucial carries and even a try. Lock him in for a monster performance. 3. Damian McKenzie (Chiefs, Fly-half): McKenzie's kicking game has been impeccable, hitting 90% of his attempts last week, including a clutch penalty from long range. Beyond his boot, he's a dynamic runner, with 4 clean line breaks and 2 try assists in his last two matches. His ability to create attacking opportunities for his teammates, combined with his reliable goal-kicking, makes him a high-upside play against a team known for conceding penalties.

1. Lachlan Swinton (Waratahs, Flanker): Swinton is a powerful ball-carrier and tackler, but his discipline has been a significant concern. He’s accumulated two yellow cards in his last four games, leading to crucial fantasy point deductions and reduced playing time. Facing a disciplined opponent this week, the risk of another card or a penalty-ridden performance is too high to trust him in your lineup. 2. Caleb Clarke (Blues, Winger): Clarke has been quiet by his high standards, struggling to find space against well-organized defenses. He’s been held to under 50 running meters in two of his last three games and hasn't crossed the try line in the same period. This week, he faces one of the league's stingiest defensive backlines, making his path to significant attacking points incredibly difficult. Better to bench him for a more in-form option.

1. David Kriel (Bulls, Fullback): Kriel is stepping into the starting fullback role due to an injury and comes at a near-minimum salary. He’s a strong runner and reliable under the high ball, and the Bulls are known for their expansive attacking play at home. At his price, his guaranteed 80 minutes and potential for attacking involvement make him a fantastic salary-saver. 2. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders, Lock): Whitelock remains a consistent force in the lineout and around the ruck, quietly racking up tackles and carries. While not a flashy try-scorer, his high tackle count (averaging 15

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