Andrew's Team: Week One

Division: Facebook Super 14

Team: The Orcadians

FR Stephen Moore (AUS) $1,163,250

FR William Servat (FRA) $1,139,000

LK Julien Pierre (FRA) $757,000

LK Richie Gray (SCO) $602,500

LF Victor Vito (NZL) $825,550

LF Thierry Dusautoir (FRA) $1,142,750

HV Dan Carter (NZL) $1,275,000

HV Dimitri Yachvili (FRA) $960,000

CT Ma'a Nonu (NZL) $1,188,550

CT Fabrice Estebanez (FRA) $530,550

OB Vincent Clerc (FRA) $1,146,000

OB Israel Dagg (NZL) $1,100,250

Team Value: $11,830,410

Cash in Bank: $169,590

With trades sure to be a precious commodity I picked my starting team with half an eye on round two. France and New Zealand have arguably the easiest opening pair of games, the hosts playing Tonga and Japan, while the French take on Japan and Canada, so players from these nations make up the bulk of my team, with a healthy mix of bargain buys and old heads.

The front row can often prove one of the most profitable positions so I chose two veterans in William Servat and Stephen Moore. Although the Wallabies play their trickiest pool games first (Italy then Ireland), I think closely fought games can be a benefit where scoring the front rows are concerned, the more scrums and line-outs the better.

I saved money in the locks with Julien Pierre and Richie Gray. Both are guaranteed starters for their teams and, as such, grossly underpriced. Gray especially could well be one of the highest scorers of the round in this position. My only regret is having to sell him after the round locks as, thanks to the vagaries of the Testrugby system, Scotland have bye next week and their match against Georgia will not be counted.

With injuries to other players in the All Blacks backrow, Victor Vito is certain to start the first few games. His low price made him an obvious purchase. He's joined in the loose forwards by Thierry Dusautoir, who's captaincy gives him a shot at starting against Canada next round, I hope.

I couldn't help but pick Dan Carter in the halves. It might be a mistake and, strangely, this is the selection choice I'm having most regret about. There's a good chance that Henry will pull him off as soon as the games in the bag, plus I think Slade will probably start against Japan. Even so, the temptation of him racking up a lot of points in even part of this game was too good to miss. As designated kicker, Yachvili should see plenty of action in this round's game.

The centres see a mix of old and new. Ma'a Nonu could have a field day in an open game against Tonga, even if he is out of position. To partner him, I picked French debutant and league-convert Estebanez, who has an impressive try scoring record at club level.

More French/Kiwi action in the backs with Vincent Clerc and Israel Dagg, two of their respective teams most devastating try scorers. I just hope I can hold onto them for next week's game too.

Good luck everyone!