Six Nations: Woodward defends the competition

Clive Woodward has launched an impassioned defence of the Six Nations championship.

On the eve of the tournament, Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill put forward a proposal to add England and France to the current Tri-Nations series.

Under his proposals England and France would join Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in an annual tournament, played on a home-and-away basis.

However, Woodward believes the concept would not be allowed to cut across the Six Nations competition and accused the southern hemisphere of failing to understand the significance of the tournament.

"It is just John O'Neill shooting from the hip," said Woodward.

"I wouldn't support this if it was to the detriment of the Six Nations.

"The Six Nations is better than the Tri-Nations and I don't think that they really understand what it takes to win this tournament.

"They don't understand the history and they are jealous of what is a fantastic competition.

"It is unbelievably competitive and I would hate to see the tournament disrupted."

O'Neill said: "The possibility always exists for the Tri-Nations to turn into a Five Nations tournament.

"France and England would obviously be the two major contenders.

"It is great when you have the British Lions around, like this season, but that only comes along once every 12 years.

"I think the SANZAR countries, in the light of changes all around the world, have to test some models, go to the broadcasters, and say 'what do you think of this?"'