Week Eight: Andrew's Team

THE ORCADIANS - Facebook S14

*New buys in italics

FR Bismarck du Plessis (SHK) - $1,450,000
FR Tatafu Polatu-Nau (WAR) - $1,185,000

LK Nathan Sharpe (FOR) - $1,202,500
LK Andries Bekker (STM) - $1,260,000

LF Willem Alberts (SHK) - $1,085,000
LF Adam Thomson (HGH) - $1,350,000

HV Peter Grant (STM) - $1,375,000
HV Quade Cooper (RED) - $1,267,500

CT Sonny Bill Williams (CRU) - $1,442,500

CT James O'Connor (FOR) - $1,327,500

OB Kade Poki (HGH) - $1,095,000
OB Sean Maitland (CRU) - $1,107,500

Team Value: $15,147,500
Cash in Bank: $631,250

Thanks to Cooper and Poki I had a reasonable round last week for the first time in a wee while. I've made four changes this week in an effort to keep my momentum going. With Mealamu on a bye this week, I replaced him with Polatu-Nau. Despite not being the point machine he was last season, I expect the Waratahs' hooker to have a dominant game against the Western Force this week. Like everyone I faced a dilemma in the halves. With three teams on a bye and standout performers like Carter and Lambie out injured there really wasn't a lot to choose from. After considering a gamble on Berquist, Slade or Cruden, I decided to play it safe and go with Peter Grant who has been solid, if unspectacular, so far. In the centres, I picked up Sonny Bill Williams as soon as the last round locked (and before his price rose by over 300k+!). SBW, like Thomson, du Plessis or Mealamu, is simply one of the must have players right now. My last change was in the backs where I again picked up a cheap Crusader with the purchase of Sean Maitland as something of a longterm investment. The Crusaders already seem certs for the final so it'll be nice to have a couple of players I don't have to worry about dropping.

Next week sees the Sharks on a bye so sell your players early before their price drops too much, this will apply especially Bismarck du Plessis. And remember the Chiefs, Rebels and Blues return to the fray next week too.

Good luck everyone!