Eddie Jones has cautioned the Six Nations against expanding the competition after revelling in a wrestle between England and Scotland played in atrocious conditions.
Tournament organisers have distanced themselves from a report stating South Africa would join a new extended format in 2024 after revealing the proposal has not been discussed.
But calls to increase the number of sides involved persist with Japan and Georgia placed alongside the Springboks in being seen as suitable additions.
England revived their title ambitions by reclaiming the Calcutta Cup in an ugly 13-6 victory that unfolded at a hostile Murrayfield and Jones believes tinkering with a winning format is ill-advised.
“It’s called the greatest rugby tournament in the world and I think it is. So why would you want to add other teams that are going to decrease the level of competition,” Jones said.
“I can only talk from experience. Super Rugby was the golden egg of rugby – brilliant, 12 teams, competitive. As soon as it had gone to 14 and 15, it had lost its allure.
“You want the best teams playing against each other. There’s something about the Six Nations – because of the history of the relationships between the nations, it makes it more outstanding.
“We got a kick in the guts against France last weekend and you have to pull yourself together.
“We probably thought we did well finishing the World Cup as finalists and weren’t right on the job.
“To come up here and do that after we got a bit of a kick in the guts against France is one of the most satisfying wins we’ve had.”
