Imagine that: Six points for a try!

LONDON: Away from the glitz and glamour of the Rugby World Cup, an experiment that could have a major influence on the way the game is approached at all levels is being played out against the backdrop of the Welsh valleys.

The semi-professional Welsh Principality League is a guinea pig for new trials in the laws this season, including awarding six points for a try and two points for a penalty and a drop goal, that may, according to the man overseeing them, make the sport more attractive.

“We are all positive about it,” said Wales Rugby Union ( WRU) national match officials manager Nigel Whitehouse. The aim of the new system is to test whether offering more points for tries and fewer for kicks at goal leads to a more open and attack-focused game with increased ball-in-play time.

“We continually have to look at the game to see how we can make it better for all involved. So from my perspective these are serious trials,” Whitehouse said. “All the coaches and players I have spoken to over the summer opened their arms (to the idea). “It’s great to see World Rugby, through these trials, trying to be positive and make rugby attractive as possible, not only to play in but for spectators as well,” he added.

Winger Alex Webber, from Pontypridd, scored the first six-point try on the opening weekend of the season earlier this month. Ponty ran in nine tries in thumping Llanelli 68-32, a game where no penalties were kicked, and they followed up this weekend with a 50-0 demolition of Bridgend. – Reuters