Waz4before says...

I think this argument needs to move on - surely its generally accepted from all that have commented on this concept that whoever achieves a grand slam should or would be awarded the title (even if that means having to award bonus points for the 'slam itself). The argument surely is one of would the addition of bonus points make a positive difference to this competition, particularly in a non-Grand Slam year? I was against it a few years ago but now think it should be trialled with the caveat that a Grand Slam guarantees a title! Maybe it could be trialled for 5 seasons and then reviewed?

On the additional comments of promotion/relegation from the 6n's -- I'm all in favor of that but something like a 5-10 year window needs to be set for this to allow the T2 nations to prepare and be given additional caching where necessary. It makes perfect sense but given the Celtic fuss over HEC qualification you can only imagine that they would strongly oppose such a suggestion ...

And further afield - this is where the Anglo-French proposal for the new European format works well through the creation of a 3rd tier European competition which will further strengthen the T2 nations domestically and eventually their international sides (you just have to look at the progress in the 7's Series of sides like Spain, Portugal and Russia to see what difference investment and opportunity make!)

Posted 03:11 23rd January 2013

HighsideUK says...

Quite simple. Award a further 2 bonus points for achieving the grand slam.

Everybody is happy.

That way the slam would guarantee you at least 22 points - which is more than the 21 points anyone else could get for 4 bonus wins and a bonus point loss.

Or even more simply - just say that if anyone manages the slam then they are the winners.

What's the problem?

Posted 21:51 22nd January 2013

BiggyFint says...

If it aint broke don't fix it!

Posted 19:43 22nd January 2013

kije says...

bad idea, don't like it, don't want it. If it's not broke don't try to fix it.

Posted 18:45 22nd January 2013

APV1 says...

@ Propmelsey - The Calcutta Cup is one of the oldest and best matches in the world. Don't take that away.

Posted 17:45 22nd January 2013

J_HDK says...

Bonus Points would only be rational if there was a Home and Away Leg of each match. Which would probably mean Two pools. with winners playing off for title at neutral venue.. then seconds playing off against each other etc.

Posted 17:04 22nd January 2013

rugby_rockstar says...

Saint-Andre coached sides are not reknown for they attacking flair, be it Gloucester, Sale or Toulon, they all lacked imagination. However, although I sense his opposition is coloured by his own coaching limitations, I do agree that the idea of a grand slam winning team missing out on the actual trophy would just turn the whole competition into a rediculous joke.

I remember 2002 when England lost to France in Paris and wilko got betsened. The next match we thrashed Wales 50 - 10 yet we are all walking about with faces resembling a bull dog chewing a wasp because the grand slam was gone. They are tough things to win because every country has a reason to up their game against everyone else. There's serious passion on the pitch and in the stands. There's nothing worse than losing a six nations match to any of the other five countries.

Posted 16:33 22nd January 2013

Propmelsey says...

Not too sure about a relegation/promotion concept . I doubt that the Team getting promoted would be good enough to compete. I think purely from a rugby perspective we could cut the competition back to a 5 nation comp, with Scotland dropping out as they are clearly the weakest team in it and have been for some time. I doubt this is feasible though .. probably due to comercial commitments. .... But i think it would do the Scots a lot of good to play at a lower level for now.

Posted 16:02 22nd January 2013

APV1 says...

I'm certainly not against development and review, but I'm against bonus points in the 6N. I'm all for looking at something and seeing whether it can be improved (the introduction of France and Italy are good examples of this approach being successful), but the competition works.

Posted 15:03 22nd January 2013

ArmchairGeneral says...

Totally agree. Every game is a final. A play off. It would be like having bonus points in the knock out rounds of WC or HC. Completely daft. I think supporters have not thought about it. Why mess with an absolutely fantastic tournament! And I am no conservative.

Posted 14:36 22nd January 2013