JUST like Jeremy Clarkson after hours of filming, the RBS Six Nations really packed a punch at the end of the day (allegedly).
In case you live under a rock or in the ‘let’s pretend it doesn’t exist’ bubble I used to occupy, this year’s Six Nations packed as much drama into its final day as a full series of Game of Thrones.
Tries, they had a few, 27 to be precise as Wales, then Ireland and then England and France, went hell for leather in trying to win the Six Nations title on points difference.
I would argue that staggered kick-off times are unfair and presented both England and Ireland an advantage, but there can be no questioning the entertainment value and the fact that armchair rugby fans were treated to a day that will prove unforgettable, the good outweighs the bad on that one.
Which has led me to one single takeaway thought and question from this season’s Six Nations. Namely, why can’t it always be like that?
I’m far from a rugby expert, but I know what I like and the Six Nations format is brilliant in its simplicity, with calls for promotion, relegation, all the final games kicking off at the same time, being unnecessary bluster for a concept that isn’t broken and doesn’t need fixing.
However, more generally, surely a tinkering to ensure days like Saturday are more the norm than a total exception wouldn’t be frowned upon?
Because the fact is, these sides are capable of playing flamboyant and open rugby that will leave you begging for more, but clearly choose not to.
The art of defence, rugby purists will say, means that the crazy days like Saturday are always destined to be the exception, but wouldn’t it be prudent for rugby to adapt, to ensure the casual fan is enthralled for five weeks, not just the final weekend?
And how easy it is to achieve, simply by offering up bonus points for high scoring performances, making it sensible rather than silly to run ball in hand like the French always do, whatever the scoreline and whatever stage the tournament is at.
There were 221 points scored on the final weekend of the Six Nations and that’s 132 more than were scored on match day one.
Time for a tinker, surely?
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