The Rugby World Cup fantasy match is finally here — here's a cheat sheet for you

Johnny Sexton is one of only four players to reach 13 credits in the fantasy game World Rugby. Photo: Getty Images/Ramsey Cardy

The Odendal Burger is a rugged South African hub, and before I knew what it looked like, I knew it was hard to handle. Such is the power of fantasy rugby to enhance your World Cup experience.

Odendal was the economical midfield option in Super Rugby Super Coach, which I enjoyed playing ten years ago. Then with the Bulls, he consistently scored points due to his ability to ignore defensemen. I rarely watched the South African franchises as the early morning broadcasts of the games in Australia and New Zealand were easier to catch due to the time difference, but still learned about Odendal's catches. Initially, my only reference was his avatar in the Super Coach interface; little blue shirt. For some time, I could remain in the dark about his features and height.

Now 30, Odendal has joined Northampton Saints for the 2023/24 season and is sure to attract a new group of fans among Premier League watchers. More on this later. In the short term, the upcoming World Cup could showcase the potential of fantasy games and push rugby fans to new horizons.

The official game of the tournament, launched last Wednesday by World Rugby, gives you a budget of 100 credits to assemble a 15-man team consisting of two supports, a hooker, two blocks, three defenders, a scrum half, a linebacker, two centers and three outside defenders. Players were assigned different prices: the most expensive — Finn Russell, Johnny Sexton, Richie Mounga and Mathieu Jaliber — 13 credits each. The designated captain scores a double in any round and there are three «boosters» including the «super kicker» and the «defense king». Transfers are unlimited, presumably to avoid scheduling and injury.

In just three days, almost 100,000 people signed up for it. While that figure is eclipsed by the mass of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) entries — currently just over 9,600,000 this season — other comparisons are more encouraging. At its peak, ESPN's Six Nations was estimated to attract between 100,000 and 200,000 unique users per round.

is another player who is sure to become popular. Photo: Getty Images/Kazuhiro Nogi

As with the version of Super Coach that was linked to Fox Sports, the World Championship model will include a more detailed scoring system with metrics such as tackles, runs, interceptions, lineout interceptions, offloads, and even line break passes — in fact, passes. that send a teammate into space. Missed tackles, penalties and ball kicks are just three ways to lose points.

Stats Perform is the provider of the data, and the more details (ESPN's game relied heavily on tries, passes and shots on goal) fuel the single biggest reason to play fantasy in the first place: justification. What could be better or make you more complacent than tangible evidence of your superior knowledge when guesswork is backed up by the game, especially if you feel like you've uncovered a relatively little-known or untapped talent?

While the simplicity of FPL scoring suits football and will contribute to its tremendous growth, a detailed scoring system for the Rugby World Cup game should also improve understanding and awareness. Big names will not only be recognized for skills that go unnoticed (e.g. Gregory Aldritt (7.5) is a prominent lineout target, as well as a tireless aircraft carrier and jackal), but observers will also have an additional incentive to familiarize themselves with developing countries and follow behind these players.

Georgian props will definitely be recruited en masse. However, there is something valuable in Lelos' backline. Merab Sharikadze, their center and captain, is racking up a dizzying number of tackles. David Niniashvili, a wiry and evasive runner who beat five defenders and dropped three times against Scotland last month, is also good for odd losses. Both players will give you back seven credits and will likely be on the field for most of the group stage as Georgia struggles to get out of Group C. Sharikadze made 23 tackles at Murrayfield. He could be a shrewd «King of Defense» — a booster that doubles points for tackles, assists and steals — because Lelos tend to take pressure from more established teams.

Fantasy games don't have to be so complex as to be a hindrance to new fans. They can be gatekeepers even if the stats aren't for everyone. The various NFL fantasy leagues make it easy for newcomers around the world to learn the sport without complicating the nuances or simplifying scoring. Many have dreamed of a video game to replace Jonah Lomu Rugby, the 1997 cult classic. As far as engagement goes, fantasy can be a step in the right direction.

Over the years, various fantasy games have focused on the Premier League. Fantasy Rugby Draft and The Rugby Magazine have gained loyal followings. Dream Team, the brainchild of Ni Butler and Chris McKenna, plans to launch in the 2024–25 season. Prior to this, Premiership Rugby is expected to be working on a product with SuperBru and Oval Insights ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. Expect a thorough scoring system and game play that should appease nerds and intrigue casual players. And be sure to check out Burger Odendaal.

For anyone looking to sideline Telegraph writers – and judging by the comments on our recent Top 100 series, that might be a tempting proposition – we've created a league for World Championship with access code E3XYNW6O. Make fantasy one of the elements of how you enjoy an exciting tournament.

Five tips from the absolute layman

Stay in the know

obviously, but team announcements will come fast and fast. Unlimited transfers means there must actually be 15 players in the game. Be warned, some of them, like England prostitute Jamie George (10 points) and most captains, are more likely to last around 80 minutes.

View the list of matches

The actions of the players in a tense semi-final are as important as in one-sided group games. While we expect an exciting tournament marked by a couple of mishaps, some results may be mixed.

Key points: rebounding and loss mastery

In addition to attempts (15 points) and assists (9 points), losses (4 points), interceptions (5 points), interceptions in the lineout (5 points) and line breaks (7 points) bring big wins. Defeated defenders (2 points) can add up too, especially with the likes of Doohan van der Merwe (9.5 points) and Mark Telea (6.5 points). As for the destroyers, Tadg Beirn (8.5 credits) and Malcolm Marks (10 credits) are in the elite group, while Fijian couple Sam Matavesi (7 credits) and Levani Botia (6 credits) are the cheaper options.

< p>Know your kickers

Just as penalty takers are valuable in the FPL, penalty shooters can score points in this World Cup game. You don't need to have one designated kicker, so French defender Thomas Ramos (9.5 points) and Portuguese scrum half Samuel Marques (4.5 points) can complement your midfielder.

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