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Scotland head coach Vern Cotter the Six Nations bonus-points system is a positive move

Scotland's Stuart Hogg moves between two Argentina players
Image: Scotland's Stuart Hogg moves between two Argentina players

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter reckons the new Six Nations bonus-point system will encourage attacking rugby.

This year's tournament will see four points awarded for a win, with a bonus point on offer for teams who score four tries and for those who lose by fewer than seven points.

Cotter is adamant the changes will influence the way teams perform, and he believes the likes of Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg can take advantage.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter
Image: Scotland coach Vern Cotter

"Are the bonus points going to change the way teams play? I think it will, you will probably see a few more risks in the game and that may open up," Cotter said.

"We've got players who like to take the initiative, and if you take the initiative the opposition have to adapt. So the idea is to make sure we take as much initiative as possible and make the teams adapt.

"If Stuart Hogg can make teams adapt, he has got a good step, and Finn [Russell] is making teams do that in the PRO12. You need a big mobile forward pack that is going to knock people backwards, it's important we have loose forwards that can carry and defend.

Finn Russell in action for Scotland
Image: Finn Russell in action for Scotland

"Does it come to a penalty? Do you take a lineout or the three points? You may find a few more lineouts are taken."

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Scotland begin their Six Nations campaign when they entertain Ireland at Murrayfield on February 4.

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