Six Nations is showing that a shortened tournament would benefit no one | Paul Rees

The idea of a five-week tournament has been backed by Clive Woodward but the likely outcome would be to lower a level of competition that is currently soaringScotland will welcome a rest this weekend after their gruelling encounter against France in Paris, during which four players sustained concussion and Greig Laidlaw limped off after 24 minutes with an ankle injury that ended his Six Nations Championship. Three others had to be replaced because of injuries – so what shape would the side be in were the third round taking place this week, as has been suggested during the debate on the global …