In a move that is as sensible as it is unsurprising, the new bonus point system that was introduced in Super Rugby this year will be carried forward to the Rugby Championships.
The straight four-try bonus point will be replaced by a point only awarded to the team that ends the match with at least three tries more than their opponents. The finding in Super Rugby has been that this system tends to keep matches more competitive, as a team that is well ahead in terms of tries scored cannot afford to ever take their foot off the proverbial accelerator. I must add that there is genuinely no reference whatsoever to accelerators or any other motorised vehicle components in any version of the book of Proverbs that I’ve read, but I’m sure you’ll forgive me a little creative licence.
In another rather interesting development, the final game of the competition, between Argentina and Australia, will be played at London’s Twickenham Stadium on 8 October, the first time a Rugby Championship match will be played in the Northern Hemisphere.
Tweet
Personally i dont think International matches should carry bonus points in any format. But if they insist then this is probably the best way. Although still dont like the losing bonus point.
I remember being skeptical about the change to bonus points in SR but to give credit where it’s due I think it’s worked well. Happy to see it tried out in the Rugby Championships too.
I am a huge fan of the new bonus point system.
@vanmartin (Comment 2) : @Bokhoring (Comment 3) : yea ! i like it as well ! just a mission to keep score on it …
@Bokhoring (Comment 3) : @Zibbie (Comment 4) : ja must agree I also like it more than the old one.
Good move, can do away with the losing bonus point.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 6) : Yeah, makes no sense rewarding losers for a consolation try at the end of the match that would bring them within 7 but they were never in the game.
@Bokhoring (Comment 3) : @Zibbie (Comment 4) : @JD (Comment 5) : Must say, I didn’t like it when introduced, but it’s grown on me a lot!
Bok team is out:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Julian Redelinghuys, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Morné Steyn, 23 Lwazi Mvovo.
@Bokhoring (Comment 8) : Pretty much as expected
@Bokhoring (Comment 8) : Great that Mvovo is starting and on the bench? 😆
I really thought AC would learn the lessons and drop some dead wood
@BarendL (Comment 10) : Meant to be Combrinck starting – I see our friends a Voldy has now corrected the mistake. 🙄
At least Kriel is on the bench. I am surprised to see Malherbe starting again.
@Bokhoring (Comment 12) : Can’t believe that either. AC saying “Players will make mistakes” when asked about FM giving away too many penalties. How many more does he need to make then?
@Quintin (Comment 13) : It just seems to me that he is way too lenient/buddy-buddy with his players, especially the Stormers/former Stormers. Can’t believe Flo or Kolisie is starting again either.
@Quintin (Comment 14) : Cant believe that either,or even JPP,he really has been piss poor!
Malharbe after Mvovo must have been the worst player on Saturday and yet keeps his spot. Absolute lunacy.