Cheslin Kolbe doesn’t come cheap for fans wanting to build their dream XV in the official Fantasy Rugby Championship, which launched on Wednesday.

With a $100-million budget, fans can select the ultimate team from the southern hemisphere competition, with players from the Springboks, All Blacks, Wallabies and Los Pumas.

Fantasy players will earn points based on their chosen team’s on-field actions, like tries, conversions, linebreaks, tackles, offloads and 50/22s.

While many will have their sights set on the US$5,000 (R90,000) grand prize, fans can also create leagues to compete for ultimate bragging rights with friends, family and other fans around the world.

Two of the highest-priced players in the game are both outside backs, Bok wing Kolbe and All Blacks fullback Will Jordan, each valued at $10-million.

Ardie Savea and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi are the most expensive forwards, both priced at $8-million.

Fullback Tom Wright is Australia’s highest-priced player at $8.5-million, while flyhalf Tomás Albornoz leads the way for Argentina at $8-million.

Fans are restricted to a minimum of three players and a maximum of six players from any Castle Lager Rugby Championship nation in their fantasy team. Fans will also have access to three boosters designed to supercharge their scoring:

• Triple captain: Triples your captain’s points for one match.
• Co-captains: Doubles the points for two selected captains for one round.
• Limitless: Grants unlimited budget for one round only.

With the Rugby Championship taking place over seven weeks, boosters will be a key part of Fantasy players strategy as they make their weekly selections.

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Fantasy rugby is the ultimate test of rugby knowledge and tactical thinking. A competition using the same operating conditions was run during the Super Rugby Pacific season and was won by Callum Brown of Melbourne, Australia.

“It’s a short competition, you will need to take some risks, but don’t be too reckless, consistency will win out,” he advises.

“Pick consistent players as captain. Having a solid and safe captain score each round will be better than taking a huge risk each round! Enjoy watching the games outside of your favourite team!”

“Get familiar with the scoring system, being a player on the field doesn’t always translate to fantasy points!”

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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)