Rugby, perhaps more than any other sport, realises that it isn't perfect. The sport is a mere relation of the game that went professional in 1995. Various law trials, like the infamous ELVs of 2008-09 show that the governing body is willing to try to improve the game. Sometimes rules are approved, and other times they are discarded.
The scoring system has already been through several changes. The sport began in earnest in 1871 with only 'goals' being scored. It took until 1888 before three points were awarded for a 'goal', two for a penalty, and one for a try. Since then, the values of a try has increased to two (1891), three (1983), four (1971), before the current value of five points in 1992.
But it seems that the reign of the five-point try could be over with six-point tries and two-point penalties set for increased testing. There have already been some small unlicensed trials of changing the value of a try in tournaments like the Varsity Cup in South Africa, the new Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC), and the Wales national championship.
It has changed the style of rugby, with one team in the NRC declining to take a penalty at goal all season because of the new rules. Only 13 kicks were attempted in an entire season which saw 358 tries.
Now it seems that World Rugby is getting in on the act with the governing body set to increasing the trials in an official capacity. The World U20 Trophy, and the Pacific Nations Cup will see the new rules before a potential global trial in 2017. If successful, the new rules will be in place before the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
What do you think, would it make a difference?
[Stuff]
See Also: The Welsh Rugby Union Has An Idea Which Could Potentially Change Rugby
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
