SANZAAR approves new bonus point system
The four-try bonus point will be replaced by a bonus point that is awarded for finishing three or more tries ahead of your opponent (bonus point for losing by seven or fewer points remains unchanged).
Also, penalty options after time has expired to now include playing a line-out. TMO protocols will remain the same.
"These law amendments, while subtle in nature, will help Super Rugby's continuing evolution as the best provincial competition in the world," said SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos.
"The change to the bonus point, which has been widely discussed throughout the past week as one potential innovation, has now been formally approved by the ExCo for the 2016 season.
"By implementing this change, we expect to see more attacking and competitive rugby as teams will be asked to keep their foot down for the full 80 in order to claim the try-scoring bonus point, which we have seen used to great effect in France over the past few years.
"In addition to this, permitting teams to opt for a line-out after time has expired serves to disincentive opponents from infringing and aims to reward sides that are particularly strong set piece exponents which, when coupled with the previously mentioned changes, encourages more attacking and competitive rugby."
These law variations and game innovations were tabled in October 2015 for SANZAAR's National Unions to consult with and brief their franchises.
"It has not gone unnoticed the number of key stakeholders that have felt the need to publicly criticise SANZAAR for initiatives that were floated months ago and heavily canvassed throughout each National Union," Marinos added.
"We would never impose such fundamental changes to Super Rugby without proper consultation with stakeholders but will nevertheless continue to engage our member unions and franchises and work with all teams to continue striving for Super Rugby's ongoing improvement."
"It was also considered whether to adopt pre-2013 television match official protocol whereby the TMO could only rule on try scoring, in-goal and foul play, however following consultation with World Rugby, where we were informed they would be conducting a TMO review this year, we have decided to retain 'status quo' for 2016 and will participate fully with the review in an effort to ensure that this area of the game gets the focus and attention it deserves."
Also emanating from the recent ExCo meeting was the decision to refer to the organisation as SANZAAR (previously SANZAR) to formally recognise Argentina's participation in the joint venture.
"Their top-four finish at the Rugby World Cup and now full participation in Super Rugby adds further strength and prestige to the existing competition structures. As the top four international teams from World Cup 2015 look to further grow and establish Southern Hemisphere as a dominant force in world rugby, we are all very excited to see what lies in store in the coming year," Marinos concluded.
The next chapter of the toughest and most exciting provincial rugby competition on earth begins with a double-header on Friday February 26 as the Highlanders begin their title defence against the Blues in Auckland before the Brumbies host the Hurricanes to cap an enormous opening day involving three of last year's four semifinalists.
