Six Nations Standings & Table: How It Works

Understanding the terminology and mechanics of the Six Nations Championship is crucial for fans following the fortunes of England Rugby. This glossary explains the key terms related to the tournament's standings, points system, and associated rugby concepts, providing clarity on how the table is decided and what each result means for the Red Rose.

Table Points

The primary metric for ranking teams in the Six Nations Championship. Teams earn four points for a win and two points for a draw. A losing team receives zero points from a match, regardless of the margin of defeat. These points are the foundation upon which the tournament standings are built each season.

Bonus Points

An additional scoring system introduced to promote attacking rugby. A team can earn one bonus point by scoring four or more tries in a match, and another by losing a match by seven points or fewer. These points are added to a team’s total in the standings, often proving decisive in tightly contested tournaments.

Points Difference

A key tie-breaking metric, calculated by subtracting the total points a team has conceded from the total points it has scored across all its matches. A strong positive points difference is often the target for Head Coach Steve Borthwick and his squad, as it can elevate England’s final position if they are level on table points with another nation.

Grand Slam

The ultimate achievement in the Guinness Six Nations, awarded to the team that wins all five of its matches in a single championship. It represents a clean sweep and undisputed dominance for that season. England’s pursuit of a Grand Slam is always a central narrative of their campaign.

Triple Crown

A historic honour contested between the Home Nations: England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. It is awarded to any of these four teams that beats the other three in the same championship. For the RFU, securing the Triple Crown is a significant and celebrated milestone within the larger tournament.

The Calcutta Cup

The trophy awarded to the winner of the annual Six Nations rugby match between England and Scotland. One of the oldest trophies in the sport, its rivalry is intense and its outcome heavily influences both teams' positions in the standings. Matches are often fiercely contested, regardless of either team's broader championship form.

The Millennium Trophy

Awarded to the winner of the match between England and Ireland. Like the Calcutta Cup, this fixture carries extra prestige and the result has major implications for the upper reaches of the Six Nations table. Winning this trophy is a key objective for Captain Owen Farrell and his team.

Wooden Spoon

A symbolic, unofficial award said to be given to the team that finishes last in the standings without winning a single match. Avoiding this fate is a minimum target for every team, including England Rugby, at the start of each championship.

Try

The primary method of scoring, worth five points. Crossing the opponent’s goal line and grounding the ball results in a try. The number of tries scored directly impacts bonus points and is a critical factor in a team’s attacking success and points difference.

Conversion

A kick worth two points, taken after a try is scored. The kick is taken from a point in line with where the try was grounded, making its difficulty variable. Successful conversions are vital, as they turn five-point tries into seven-point scores.

Penalty Kick

A kick worth three points, awarded after most infringements by the opposition. Reliable goal-kickers like Owen Farrell or Marcus Smith can accumulate significant points from penalties, often deciding tight matches and influencing the standings.

Drop Goal

A kick worth three points, executed during open play by dropping the ball onto the ground and kicking it as it rises. A dramatic and often strategic method of scoring, a well-timed drop goal can secure narrow victories and crucial table points.

Sin Bin

A temporary suspension where a player is ordered off the pitch for ten minutes for serious infringements. Playing with 14 men can be costly, often leading to conceding points or tries that alter the match outcome and, consequently, the standings.

Forwards

The group of eight players numbered 1-8, responsible for the set-piece and physical contest. The performance of key forwards like Maro Itoje and Ellis Genge in scrums, lineouts, and breakdowns is fundamental to securing possession and platform for victory.

Backs

The seven players numbered 9-15, generally responsible for creating and finishing attacking moves. Their ability to exploit space and convert opportunities into tries is essential for earning try-scoring bonus points and building a healthy points difference.

Set Piece

A restart of play, primarily consisting of scrums and lineouts. Dominance in the set piece provides stable possession, controls territory, and creates scoring opportunities, forming the bedrock of a successful Six Nations campaign.

Gainline

An imaginary line across the width of the pitch at the point where a tackle or contact occurs. Successfully carrying the ball over the gainline puts the attacking team on the front foot, a principle heavily emphasised in the tactical approach of Steve Borthwick.

Turnover

Regaining possession from the attacking team, either at the breakdown, via an interception, or from a handling error. Securing turnovers, often through the work of players like Itoje, can halt opposition momentum and launch counter-attacks.

Autumn Nations Series

The series of international matches played by northern hemisphere teams in November. While separate from the Six Nations Championship, these autumn internationals are crucial for team development and provide form indicators ahead of the following year’s championship.

Twickenham Stadium

The home of England Rugby, located in London. Known as HQ, it is where England play their home matches in the Six Nations. A formidable venue for visiting teams, a strong record at Twickenham is vital for accumulating home table points.

Rugby Football Union

The governing body for rugby union in England. The RFU administers the England national rugby union team, sets strategic direction, and is responsible for the management and development of the professional game, including Six Nations participation.

Understanding these terms enriches the experience of following the Six Nations Championship. From the calculation of the standings to the historic trophies at stake, each element plays a part in the drama that unfolds each year. For the latest analysis on England’s campaign, visit our latest news hub, check the upcoming Six Nations 2024 fixtures schedule, or plan your visit with our Twickenham Stadium guide.

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