Cheat sheet: Who to buy and who to avoid in Fox Sports Fantasy Super Rugby

WITH the season almost upon us we highlight the players to buy - and who to avoid - for Fox Sports Fantasy Super Rugby.

THE Super Rugby season is just days away and that means time is running out to finalise your Fantasy Super Rugby team.

But fear not - if you are stressing about who to select and who to give the chop, or how you are going to afford all the players you covet, help is on its way.

We have already had a look at the elite Fox Sports Fantasy Super Rugby stars, now it's time to check out some of the less-heralded players who can carry your team to victory - all while helping you fit your squad under the salary cap.

To further help you with your squad selection, we highlight the players you should not be selecting on your roster under any circumstances (or at least until they're back from injury/sabbatical or whatever).

So no more excuses - check out our lists of players to buy and avoid below, then sign up for Fantasy Super Rugby for your chance to win cash prizes and ultimate bragging rights over your mates.

PLAYERS TO BUY

Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs, backrower - $300k)

The tireless Cheetahs backrower is the ultimate fantasy player, gaining points all across the park. He made more tackles than any other player in last year's Super Rugby competition (271), averaged 6.4 runs (37.8m), 16.9 tackles and 2.9 lineout wins - and he also made eight linebreaks and scored two tries. That saw him total 487 Fantasy Super Rugby points to be the second best backrower behind Blues' Luke Braid, who costs an extra $50k.

Colin Slade (Crusaders, flyhalf - $300k)

With Dan Carter on sabbatical, Slade returns to his former club to take over the playmaking reins for the Super Rugby heavyweights. Given the Crusaders' attacking prowess, you can imagine Slade will pick up plenty of points setting up his outside men for linebreaks and tries. And if he can edge out Tom Taylor for goalkicking duties, he looks a perfect pick as a fantasy flyhalf.

Willie Ripia (Highlanders, flyhalf - $150k)

The one-time Force playmaker returns to Super Rugby following his controversial exit a couple of seasons ago. He's back at the club where he made his debut, and with Slade gone from the Highlanders could get a crack at the No. 10 jersey. At just $150k, looms as a handy - and cheap - back-up flyhalf.

Manuel Carizza (Stormers, lock - $175k)

The big man from Argentina is an intriguing prospect after signing on with the Cape Town franchise. With 41 Tests under his belt, Carizza comes with a strong pedigree and will be well prepared for his Super Rugby rivals having played 11 of the Pumas' 12 matches in The Rugby Championship.

Jordy Reid (Rebels, backrower - $150k)

The young backrower is shaping up for his second season of Super Rugby and could be primed for a breakout season. Reid started just two matches (he averaged 29 minutes in his nine games) but looks set for more game time this season. He made seven runs (44m) and 25 tackles in his only 80-minute performance last season.

Which of these players will make your Fantasy Super Rugby team? Enter your team now ahead of the season kick-off on February 15!

Curtis Browning (Reds, backrower - $150k)

The 20-year-old has played just one Super Rugby game - making his debut last season of the bench against the Bulls - but big things are expected of the former Australian schoolboys star. He faces competition for a Reds backrow berth but if he can edge out one of Jake Schatz ($275k) or Ed Quirk ($250k) he could be a bargain buy.

News_Rich_Media: The ACT Brumbies will be coached by Stephen Larkham in 2014, looking to go one better after making the Super Rugby Final last season.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies, flyhalf - $325k)

The goalkicking playmaker was a star in 2013, racking up the most points for a flyhalf in Fantasy Super Rugby as he helped guide the Brumbies to the final. But off-season ankle surgery means he'll miss the start of the season - he's targeting a round five comeback against the Waratahs.

Tom Marshall (Chiefs, outside back - $300k)

The ex-Crusader looked a top Fantasy Super Rugby option after switching to the back-to-back champions in a bid for more playing time in his preferred position of fullback - all after racking up 398 fantasy points (fourth highest for an outside back) in 2013. But thumb surgery last month means he'll also miss the start of the season.

Dan Carter (Crusaders, flyhalf - $275k)

The All Blacks ace has taken a Richie McCaw-style sabbatical and will miss the majority of the Super Rugby season. It could be worth keeping an eye on his return date in case he comes back before the finals, but there's no point worrying about him until then.

Eben Etzebeth (Stormers, lock - $325k)

The Springboks lock had a simply storming 2013, which culminated in his nomination for the IRB player of the year award. But an ankle injury means the Stormers star won't be back in action until April - or possibly even later. Avoid.

Arno Botha (Bulls, flanker - $300k)

The Springboks backrower injured his knee during the Bulls' trial clash with the Stormers and will miss the entire season.