Rugby has experimented with plenty of law changes in recent years, but the conversion has remained largely untouched.
Ultimate Sevens has changed that.
Its new scoring system gives teams different options after a try, creating a fascinating mix of risk and reward.
And it raises one big question: could it work in 15-a-side rugby?
How does it work?
A try in Ultimate Sevens is worth five points, but teams then choose between three conversion options.
The safest kick is worth one point, a more difficult attempt earns two, while players can gamble on the hardest kick for four points.
That means a try could potentially produce nine points.
There is also the Auto-7. Score in a designated area beneath the posts and seven points are awarded automatically, with no conversion required.
Would it work in 15s?
Imagine England trail the Springboks by eight points with two minutes remaining.
England score.
Instead of automatically attempting a two-point conversion, they could gamble on a much harder four-point kick.
Suddenly the conversion becomes a major tactical decision.
It could also create incredible late drama. Does your kicker take the safer option, or move further out and attempt the kick that could win the match?
Ultimate Sevens Sport and Innovation Director Tom Mitchell has described creating those “breathless moments” as part of the thinking behind the format.
It might need adapting for 15s, particularly with elite Test kickers capable of converting from huge distances.
But the principle is fascinating.
Should every conversion really be worth the same amount?
HAVE YOUR SAY
See it in action
Ultimate Sevens continues in Biarritz on Friday, 18 September, before the Grand Final at London's Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday, 24 September.
Steve Smith’s verdict
RUCK Editor Steve Smith said: “I love it. It’s such a simple change, but it adds another layer of excitement and tactics to the game.
“I’d definitely like to see it trialled in 15-a-side rugby. Giving teams different conversion options could make where you score the try even more important and create some huge decisions late in games.
“Rugby doesn’t need change for the sake of it, but when an idea can make the game more entertaining without making it more complicated, it’s worth exploring.”
