With just nine weeks until the opening weekend of the tournament, the Six Nations Council today sprung news that, for the first time, the bonus point system would be introduced on a trial basis for the 2017 Championship.
It's basically the same system at the European Cup with one additional method of acquiring points. If a team wins the Grand Slam (all of their games) this ensures them a further three points. It guarantees that a team which wins the Grand Slam also wins the Championship.
Reaction to the introduction has mostly been positive.
However, Sunday Times writer Stephen Jones believes will make no difference (view here if you're blocked).
Bonus points in 6N is a fundamental betrayal of what makes it great, will make no difference to anything whatsoever. Infant school marketing
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) November 30, 2016
He does have some who agree with him.
This bonus point thing. It's a superfluous, ineffectual gimmick to pander to the popular vote
So, pretty much perfect for this day and age— Michael Aylwin (@mdmaylwin) November 30, 2016
There are also sceptics.
Confirmation that nothing is indeed sacred. Bonus points coming in for the 2016 Six Nations. pic.twitter.com/E6uo5g73fM
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) November 30, 2016
BPs won't fix sodden weather, nor sodden pitches that tear up upon the mere mention of a scrum.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) November 30, 2016
Are we sure that incentivising attacking rugby will result in more attacking rugby? Seems too obvious. Are there any precedents?
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) November 30, 2016
FWIW I think this is bad news for Ireland. It’d be easier for us to pick up bonus points in the even-years when we have three home games.
— Stephen Long (@Stephen_Long) November 30, 2016
The easiest bonus points would be home games v Scotland/Italy later in the tournament. We have both those away in our first two games.
— Stephen Long (@Stephen_Long) November 30, 2016
Plenty believe it is the right move for the tournament.
Great idea have been a supporter of bringing it in for a while. Well done Six Nations. https://t.co/9rUWO12ncu
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) November 30, 2016
Big news in Six Nations. Bonus points introduced for the 2017 Championship. After years of saying "No", this is a welcome turnaround
— owenslotTheTimes (@owenslot) November 30, 2016
Been calls for this for a while. Great to see it will be trialled when the tournament starts in just nine weeks time. https://t.co/rmesDQNDYf
— Nick Heath (@nickheathsport) November 30, 2016
Long overdue news on the 6N bonus point addition. It'll only make it more enjoyable.
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) November 30, 2016
Some Welsh fans are disappointed regarding the timing.
Disappointed that the Six Nations will introduce bonus points for tries at the exact time that Wales have decided to stop scoring tries...
— Gareth (@Gaz11) November 30, 2016
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
