The Rugby Magazine - Fantasy Rugby

[bitts]

Scratch what I've just said. Just had this notification:

Thank you to those who have questioned the ambiguity around players' positional point scoring. The help section has been updated to clarify exactly how points are calculated with the following:

Where points that players earn are dependent on positions, these are calculated from the position in which the player starts a fixture, not the position for which he is chosen for your team. If you select a flanker as a lock and he plays for his club at flanker, his points will be calculated as a flanker. Further to this, in the event that a player changes position during a fixture, the points are calculated based on his original position at the beginning of the fixture.

<end>

I guess if you play an 8 at 7 it makes no difference though?

Well that buggers all of my carefully laid plans. Back to the drawing board!

Puja

I imagine Rhodes and Armand are looking a tad less interesting than before.

In other news, it doesn't apply to backs and hookers get a point for every successful line out throw.

[Puja]

Scratch what I've just said. Just had this notification:

Thank you to those who have questioned the ambiguity around players' positional point scoring. The help section has been updated to clarify exactly how points are calculated with the following:

Where points that players earn are dependent on positions, these are calculated from the position in which the player starts a fixture, not the position for which he is chosen for your team. If you select a flanker as a lock and he plays for his club at flanker, his points will be calculated as a flanker. Further to this, in the event that a player changes position during a fixture, the points are calculated based on his original position at the beginning of the fixture.

<end>

I guess if you play an 8 at 7 it makes no difference though?

Well that buggers all of my carefully laid plans. Back to the drawing board!

Puja

I imagine Rhodes and Armand are looking a tad less interesting than before.

In other news, it doesn't apply to backs and hookers get a point for every successful line out throw.

Methinks the rules needed a touch more proof-reading before being unleashed on the public!

Still, it's the best fantasy rugby game I've ever come across so far, so we can forgive a few amateur moments.

Puja

[Scrumhead]

So I also had an email conversation with the developer.

He seems like a really good guy and seems very receptive to feedback. Maybe we should put our heads together to come up with one list of suggestions for amendments and improvements we can offer?

I've suggested the inclusion of 'user names' so you can sign up using a pseudonym rather than your actual name (for privacy reasons).

What do we think of the bench not needing two props? Is that a good or a bad thing?

[bitts]

So I also had an email conversation with the developer.

He seems like a really good guy and seems very receptive to feedback. Maybe we should put our heads together to come up with one list of suggestions for amendments and improvements we can offer?

I've suggested the inclusion of 'user names' so you can sign up using a pseudonym rather than your actual name (for privacy reasons).

What do we think of the bench not needing two props? Is that a good or a bad thing?

It is pretty cool what they've done so far, and I'm really excited by it.

I'd lay off making to many big suggestions for this season. Simply because people have already entered and these games need to be kept as simple as possible, lots of rule changes lead to confusion and drop pit.

[Puja]

So I also had an email conversation with the developer.

He seems like a really good guy and seems very receptive to feedback. Maybe we should put our heads together to come up with one list of suggestions for amendments and improvements we can offer?

I've suggested the inclusion of 'user names' so you can sign up using a pseudonym rather than your actual name (for privacy reasons).

What do we think of the bench not needing two props? Is that a good or a bad thing?

Bad thing, I'd say. It'd be better to keep it as close to RL as possible. In fact, could the game be tweaked to allow you to choose the makeup of the bench, so to allow 6/2 splits, etc. Possibly something for next season.

If I were to make one suggestion, it'd be to tone down the number of positions that players can play. Technically Armand can play lock, but is he really likely to? Same with Taufe'ete propping or Rokoduguni playing centre. I'd be happer with the balance going the other way and it being a bit more restrictive to make it harder.

Other than that, let him know that it's a very impressive game so far. Maybe direct him to this thread and encourage him to join in the conversation?

Puja

[Scrumhead]

I know he's aware of the thread and has read the comments - calling the league Rugby Rebels meant it didn't require a huge amount of detective work.

[Scrumhead]

I've been tinkering with my squad and I've noticed that with a couple of notable exceptions, the majority of the players I have selected have only been picked by 5-8% of others.

I also have 4 Gloucester players compared to 2 from Saracens so I dare say I'm looking at this somewhat differently to other people.

[Stom]

I've been tinkering with my squad and I've noticed that with a couple of notable exceptions, the majority of the players I have selected have only been picked by 5-8% of others.

I also have 4 Gloucester players compared to 2 from Saracens so I dare say I'm looking at this somewhat differently to other people.

Yeah, many of mine, too. I have 4 Glos players, too, but 3 from Sarries.

But I'm more perplexed by the fact my first pick in a couple of positions have only been picked by 4% and 12%, especially the former. Seems perfect for this game's scoring system...But I'm not giving away my secrets

Ended up with 33 players. May change it slightly, who knows.

[Digby]

What's TSB? Is that total squads who've bought a given player?

I've got 3 Glaws players, though none in my 1st XV and only 1 on the bench

[Raggs]

3 Glaws players, but a half decent chance that they'll get into my 23, or even starting 15. Got 8 players from Sale and Wuss too.

[Scrumhead]

What's TSB? Is that total squads who've bought a given player?

I've got 3 Glaws players, though none in my 1st XV and only 1 on the bench

TSB is 'total selected by' I believe.

But I'm more perplexed by the fact my first pick in a couple of positions have only been picked by 4% and 12%, especially the former. Seems perfect for this game's scoring system...But I'm not giving away my secrets

That's exactly how I feel - I think we have the same player ...

There are some popular picks I'm not at all surprised by (i.e. Wade), but some others that I genuinely can't believe aren't being picked. Right now, the average TSB for my squad is just under 14% and that's heavily skewed by four players with over 40% (yes, I have made a spreadsheet ... ).

I'm confident in my picks and I'll hold my nerve, but it is a bit perturbing when the majority of people seem to be disregarding the players I've selected!

[Stom]

What's TSB? Is that total squads who've bought a given player?

I've got 3 Glaws players, though none in my 1st XV and only 1 on the bench

TSB is 'total selected by' I believe.

But I'm more perplexed by the fact my first pick in a couple of positions have only been picked by 4% and 12%, especially the former. Seems perfect for this game's scoring system...But I'm not giving away my secrets

That's exactly how I feel - I think we have the same player ...

There are some popular picks I'm not at all surprised by (i.e. Wade), but some others that I genuinely can't believe aren't being picked. Right now, the average TSB for my squad is just under 14% and that's heavily skewed by four players with over 40% (yes, I have made a spreadsheet ... ).

I'm confident in my picks and I'll hold my nerve, but it is a bit perturbing when the majority of people seem to be disregarding the players I've selected!

I think many of the picks are just the most famous...

So we see a lot of people picking George, Lawes, Itoje, Farrell, North, Ford, Wade, Daly, etc...

But they're not necessarily the best picks. Some of them may be for one off games, in which case maybe it's worth having both Farrell and Gopperth...But how do you leave out your most expensive player when they are playing?

Genge has been picked by many. I can see the point, but not sure...

[bitts]

What's TSB? Is that total squads who've bought a given player?

I've got 3 Glaws players, though none in my 1st XV and only 1 on the bench

TSB is 'total selected by' I believe.

But I'm more perplexed by the fact my first pick in a couple of positions have only been picked by 4% and 12%, especially the former. Seems perfect for this game's scoring system...But I'm not giving away my secrets

That's exactly how I feel - I think we have the same player ...

There are some popular picks I'm not at all surprised by (i.e. Wade), but some others that I genuinely can't believe aren't being picked. Right now, the average TSB for my squad is just under 14% and that's heavily skewed by four players with over 40% (yes, I have made a spreadsheet ... ).

I'm confident in my picks and I'll hold my nerve, but it is a bit perturbing when the majority of people seem to be disregarding the players I've selected!

I think many of the picks are just the most famous...

So we see a lot of people picking George, Lawes, Itoje, Farrell, North, Ford, Wade, Daly, etc...

But they're not necessarily the best picks. Some of them may be for one off games, in which case maybe it's worth having both Farrell and Gopperth...But how do you leave out your most expensive player when they are playing?

Genge has been picked by many. I can see the point, but not sure...

I guess I'm on the same page as many here. Have more wuss, falcon's and Sale players than others in the league appear to have.
I also think that having a few props and hookers who will regularly get game time will be vital. So a chunk of money has gone there.

Anyone know how many prem games players from Eddie's current squad are likely to miss? This whole not playing the Lions thing is a big unknown for me. Players who normally be racking up the game time for thier clubs could end up missing the odd match this Autumn and serverly screwing me over.

[Scrumhead]

What's TSB? Is that total squads who've bought a given player?

I've got 3 Glaws players, though none in my 1st XV and only 1 on the bench

TSB is 'total selected by' I believe.

But I'm more perplexed by the fact my first pick in a couple of positions have only been picked by 4% and 12%, especially the former. Seems perfect for this game's scoring system...But I'm not giving away my secrets

That's exactly how I feel - I think we have the same player ...

There are some popular picks I'm not at all surprised by (i.e. Wade), but some others that I genuinely can't believe aren't being picked. Right now, the average TSB for my squad is just under 14% and that's heavily skewed by four players with over 40% (yes, I have made a spreadsheet ... ).

I'm confident in my picks and I'll hold my nerve, but it is a bit perturbing when the majority of people seem to be disregarding the players I've selected!

I think many of the picks are just the most famous...

So we see a lot of people picking George, Lawes, Itoje, Farrell, North, Ford, Wade, Daly, etc...

But they're not necessarily the best picks. Some of them may be for one off games, in which case maybe it's worth having both Farrell and Gopperth...But how do you leave out your most expensive player when they are playing?

Genge has been picked by many. I can see the point, but not sure...

I agree re. the 'famous' players. I assume that the average rugby fan would probably be more inclined to go with as many well-known players as they can afford. Then again, I think the level of detail in the game probably puts off anyone who's not a proper rugby enthusiast ...

The average number of AP games for NH Internationals seems to be 12-14, so my rationale is that less celebrated players who do well over 20+ games are likely to do better.

I am one of those who has selected Genge. My thought process is that he'll play a lot of games, score well on metres made and tackle completion and may well pick up a try or two. He may get called-up for the AIs, but I think it'll be Marler and Mako again come the 6N.

[Puja]

My least popular player is Will Witty at 1% TSB, albeit he's mostly cheap squad cover for me. The player that baffles me the most is that only 5% have picked Willi Heinz. Yeah, I don't rate him as a player, but he'll play every game and you don't lose points for slow service or killing attacks.

Puja

[Stom]

My least popular player is Will Witty at 1% TSB, albeit he's mostly cheap squad cover for me. The player that baffles me the most is that only 5% have picked Willi Heinz. Yeah, I don't rate him as a player, but he'll play every game and you don't lose points for slow service or killing attacks.

Puja

I have Witty, too. He will be a good step up when the first choice are missing, he's cheap, and he's likely to increase in value.

You could have Heinz, or you could have Dan Robson for 6k more...who is more likely to make scoring points. If you're looking for cover, then I'd pick the 2nd choice at the club your main SH is from. They'll be cheaper and will do what they're there for, provide cover.

SH is one of the trickier ones, though.

On Genge, I may go with him, too, in the end. But I still think it's insane so many have gone for him.

[bitts]

My least popular player is Will Witty at 1% TSB, albeit he's mostly cheap squad cover for me. The player that baffles me the most is that only 5% have picked Willi Heinz. Yeah, I don't rate him as a player, but he'll play every game and you don't lose points for slow service or killing attacks.

Puja

I had Will Witty, but dropped him in favour of having extra cheap cover in other positions.

My biggest conundrum is Ashley Johnson. If he plays he gets a shed load of points. But he might be restricted to cameos more often than not depending on Taylor's fitness. On the other hand he does provide cover for a lot of positions, so even if he's only used as a sub it's better than nothing.

[Puja]

My least popular player is Will Witty at 1% TSB, albeit he's mostly cheap squad cover for me. The player that baffles me the most is that only 5% have picked Willi Heinz. Yeah, I don't rate him as a player, but he'll play every game and you don't lose points for slow service or killing attacks.

Puja

I have Witty, too. He will be a good step up when the first choice are missing, he's cheap, and he's likely to increase in value.

You could have Heinz, or you could have Dan Robson for 6k more...who is more likely to make scoring points. If you're looking for cover, then I'd pick the 2nd choice at the club your main SH is from. They'll be cheaper and will do what they're there for, provide cover.

SH is one of the trickier ones, though.

On Genge, I may go with him, too, in the end. But I still think it's insane so many have gone for him.

You get points for metres kicked as well as metres run. That's why I have Wigglesworth!

Puja

[bitts]

My least popular player is Will Witty at 1% TSB, albeit he's mostly cheap squad cover for me. The player that baffles me the most is that only 5% have picked Willi Heinz. Yeah, I don't rate him as a player, but he'll play every game and you don't lose points for slow service or killing attacks.

Puja

I have Witty, too. He will be a good step up when the first choice are missing, he's cheap, and he's likely to increase in value.

You could have Heinz, or you could have Dan Robson for 6k more...who is more likely to make scoring points. If you're looking for cover, then I'd pick the 2nd choice at the club your main SH is from. They'll be cheaper and will do what they're there for, provide cover.

SH is one of the trickier ones, though.

On Genge, I may go with him, too, in the end. But I still think it's insane so many have gone for him.

You get points for metres kicked as well as metres run. That's why I have Wigglesworth!

Puja

It's just quantity of meters kicked, not quality right? That's why I'm happy enough with Care.

[Puja]

I have Witty, too. He will be a good step up when the first choice are missing, he's cheap, and he's likely to increase in value.

You could have Heinz, or you could have Dan Robson for 6k more...who is more likely to make scoring points. If you're looking for cover, then I'd pick the 2nd choice at the club your main SH is from. They'll be cheaper and will do what they're there for, provide cover.

SH is one of the trickier ones, though.

On Genge, I may go with him, too, in the end. But I still think it's insane so many have gone for him.

You get points for metres kicked as well as metres run. That's why I have Wigglesworth!

Puja

It's just quantity of meters kicked, not quality right? That's why I'm happy enough with Care.

It is quantity, but on second glance, it's 1 point per 100m, whereas it's 1 point per 10m run and 1 point per clean break. Might be worthwhile looking again at Robson actually.

Puja

ETA. And for Care, you should be aware that it's metres kicked forwards - you get none for up, sideways, or metres backwards from a charge down.

[bitts]

You get points for metres kicked as well as metres run. That's why I have Wigglesworth!

Puja

It's just quantity of meters kicked, not quality right? That's why I'm happy enough with Care.

It is quantity, but on second glance, it's 1 point per 100m, whereas it's 1 point per 10m run and 1 point per clean break. Might be worthwhile looking again at Robson actually.

Puja

ETA. And for Care, you should be aware that it's metres kicked forwards - you get none for up, sideways, or metres backwards from a charge down.

But kicking it down the throat of the opposing full back does! Im not sure how often scrum halfs kick it 100m? I'm guessing the average box kick is about 20-30 meters. So I'm guessing it's unlikely to get you more than 1 point per game.

[Puja]

It's just quantity of meters kicked, not quality right? That's why I'm happy enough with Care.

It is quantity, but on second glance, it's 1 point per 100m, whereas it's 1 point per 10m run and 1 point per clean break. Might be worthwhile looking again at Robson actually.

Puja

ETA. And for Care, you should be aware that it's metres kicked forwards - you get none for up, sideways, or metres backwards from a charge down.

But kicking it down the throat of the opposing full back does! Im not sure how often scrum halfs kick it 100m? I'm guessing the average box kick is about 20-30 meters. So I'm guessing it's unlikely to get you more than 1 point per game.

I was kinda working on the basis that a box-kick might be 15-20m and a boring side might do that 20 times in a match, which is 3-4 points. However, one clean break of 20m gets 3 points as well and Robson does score tries as well, so I've now dropped Heinz for Robson.

With the way my luck goes, this is now the signal for everyone to buy in on Wili - he's guaranteed to score a hat-trick first round.

Puja

[Raggs]

Significantly, Robson got a lot of assists last season too, often like Wade, he'll pass to a guy in a better position to finish rather than try and force it himself. Think they're 5 points each?

[Stom]

Significantly, Robson got a lot of assists last season too, often like Wade, he'll pass to a guy in a better position to finish rather than try and force it himself. Think they're 5 points each?

Should have left Puja with Willi and kept that to myself :p

Anyone else want some obvious tips?

[Scrumhead]

Robson is hardly a giveaway mate ... plays for a top team, scores and makes tries, makes good metres and kicks fairly well and crucially, is unlikely to get an England call. I'm just surprised only 21% have picked him.

I would have pegged him and Khan as the obvious choices at 9.