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Poll: Should the Six Nations introduce bonus points to encourage attack?

Do you think it would be a good idea for the Six Nations to follow the trend of other competitions?

WE’VE ALL JUST about recovered from Saturday’s magical final round of the 2015 Six Nations, even if Monday seemed a little longer than usual.

The reflection on a magnificent day of rugby has been glowing, with each one of the 27 tries scored across the three games having been full of quality.

Paul O'Connell and Peter O'Mahony celebrate Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

So how can we ensure that the Six Nations is more consistently like that ‘Super Saturday’ extravaganza? It’s worth remembering that this year’s tournament had not been the most exciting up until that final day.

The42‘s Will Slattery has already pointed out that bonus points are one potential route for the Six Nations organisers to ensure more attacking rugby, but many supporters have expressed their reservations about heading in that direction.

Strong defensive rugby may mean fewer tries, but there is equal value in seeing a team steadfastly hold out against the opposition as there is in watching them run in four tries with ball in hand.

Bonus points would also mean the possibility of, for example, Ireland achieving a Grand Slam but England topping the table on account of earning four bonus-point wins in their other fixtures.

That said, the Six Nations could rule that a Grand Slam overrules everything else, or even award further bonus points for such achievements. Too messy? It’s also worth pointing out that this year’s Six Nations would have seen Ireland, England and Wales all finish on equal points even if there had been a bonus point system in place.

What’s your thinking on the possibility of bonus points being introduced to the Six Nations? One bonus point for scoring four tries and one bonus point for defeat by seven points or less; good idea or bad idea?

The Rugby World Cup and Rugby Championship already have it in place, but should the Six Nations introduce the bonus points system?


Poll Results:

No, don't mess around with something that works (1588)
Yes, it would mean more attacking rugby (1511)
Maybe, they should trial it for a year (1137)

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