The Gallagher Premiership table has sparked discussions about potential changes to the bonus point system. Recent performances have prompted calls for a revision. In particular, teams have benefitted from try bonus points even in losses, raising concerns over fairness and competition integrity.
Current Bonus Point System vs French System
Under the existing Gallagher Premiership rules, teams earn a try bonus point for scoring four tries, regardless of the match outcome. In contrast, France’s Top 14 offers a bonus point only to teams that win by scoring three or more tries over their opponents. Additionally, the losing bonus point criteria differ: while Premiership teams receive a point if they lose by seven points or fewer, French teams must keep the defeat to five points or fewer.
Impact of Changing the System
Recent match outcomes illustrate how a shift in the bonus point system could alter the standings significantly. Bristol, despite suffering heavy defeats, has capitalized on the current points allocation. For instance, they earned bonus points in a recent 41-26 loss to Saracens and a record 94-33 defeat against Northampton. Under the French model, such defeats would yield no points.
Sports journalist Charlie Morgan highlighted that the current system may encourage teams to relax once a substantial lead is established. This could lead to uncompetitive games when teams switch off.
Proposed Changes and Their Effects
If the French system had been in place this season, the Premiership standings would have looked different, particularly in the fight for playoff spots. As it stands, three teams—Northampton, Bath, and Leicester—have secured their playoff positions. Meanwhile, Bristol sits in sixth place, five points behind the top four teams.
Under the hypothetical French bonus point rules, Bristol would have been tied on points with Exeter and ahead of Saracens by three points, placing them in a playoff spot due to having won more matches.
Revised Standings Under French Bonus Point System
| Team | Total Points | Try Bonus Points |
|---|---|---|
| Northampton | 60 | (7) |
| Bath | 56 | (7) |
| Leicester | 56 | (6) |
| Bristol | 45 | (5) |
| Exeter | 45 | (10) |
| Saracens | 42 | (10) |
| Sale | 24 | (5) |
| Harlequins | 22 | (4) |
| Gloucester | 18 | (7) |
| Newcastle | 5 | (2) |
The conversation surrounding the bonus point system remains crucial as teams aim for fairness and competitiveness. Adjustments could redefine strategies and influence playoff spots in future seasons.
