Rugby: Pointing to new system

Hika Elliot scores for the Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

Super 15's format change is expected to include a new points structure that will see teams collect four points whenever they don't play.

Sanzar officials have been looking at competitions around the world to come up with a new system that breathes life into the current four-try, lose-by-less-than-seven bonus-points structure.

The concept of picking up four points on the weekend a team has a bye is thought to have already been agreed between the three Sanzar countries.

Other ideas are being discussed as part of the competition revamp that will see a conference-style championship.

The points-for-not-playing system has long been a feature of the NRL and, with next year's extended format meaning each team will have two bye rounds, the new system will guarantee every team eight points.

Sanzar officials are conscious that with the competition radically changing in terms of scheduling, they also needed to jazz up the way teams can pick up bonus points.

Arguments have long existed that the bonus-point culture is ultimately damaging to the psyche of players when they step into the test arena.

The current All Black coaches say they have to coach bad habits and attitudes out of their players every year as they make the transition from entertainment rugby to winning rugby.

Other competitions, such as the Top 14 in France, award only a try-scoring bonus point to the winning team - and only if they score three more tries than their opponent.

The system means the losing team can never pick up a bonus point for scoring tries but can if they lose by less than seven.

It also means it is rare - it has happened only twice - that both teams can pick up bonus points from the same match.

An announcement on the new points structure is expected soon.