Carel not sure about new bonus-point rule

Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Carel du Plessis hopes the new bonus-point rule in Super Rugby does not have a negative impact on the competition.

SANZAAR on Tuesdayconfirmed the new bonus point system for 2016, with the four-try bonus point rule no longer in effect.

Instead, sides can secure a bonus point by scoring three or more tries than their opponents.

The losing bonus point rule remains unchanged, with sides who lose by seven points or fewer earning a single log point.

SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos says the changes are to help Super Rugby become a more attractive product.

"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,” said Marinos.

Du Plessis - who also coached the Springboks in 1997 - says it is good that emphasis is placed on attacking rugby, but he can’t help but “wonder” if the changes will have the desired effect.

According to Du Plessis, teams leading who have already scored four or five tries could opt for “negative play” by disrupting their opponents at the breakdowns.

“The aim is for both teams to play attacking rugby throughout, but we don’t know what the side effects will be,” Du Plessis told Netwerk24.