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SANZAAR innovations need World Rugby approval

This include dramatic changes to the try-scoring bonus points and allowing spectators to hear what referees say.SANZAAR innovations need World Rugby approval

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However, these innovations must still meet the approval of World Rugby, the international controlling body.

A SANZAAR spokesman told rugby365 that an announcement is not expected till next week.

According to media reports the board on Thursday discussed a significant change to the Super Rugby bonus points system – with teams set to be rewarded for scoring three more tries than their opposition.

This is in contrast to the current (or old) bonus points system where a team was rewarded for scoring four tries.

Instead, Super Rugby teams will notch up an extra point only if they score three or more tries than their opposition in a match, meaning bonus points will not be determined so easily and early on like in previous years.

The bonus point awarded to teams who come within seven points of their opponent will remain.

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There is also speculation that referees' microphones will be broadcast around the ground so fans can listen to exactly what is being said by those in charge.

The bonus-point system has been adopted from the French Top 14 competition, which has had great success in recent years with the point-scoring system.

The Super Rugby season gets underway on February 26, with the Blues taking on the Highlanders.

This year's competition has expanded from the 15 teams to 18 – as the Jaguares from Argentina, Sunwolves from Japan and the Southern Kings joined the existing 15 teams.

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