New Zealand assistant coach Wayne Smith has demanded that referees improve their fitness levels in the wake of Alan Lewis’ performance in the All Blacks Tri-Nations opener against South Africa.
New Zealand won the match 32-12 in Auckland but former Ireland cricket international Lewis was the subject of media criticism in New Zealand. Commentators alleged that he struggled to keep up with play at times during the match and that he missed a number of important incidents during it.
According to Smith, the All Blacks are keeping the ball in play for longer than ever before and that is placing increased demands on officials as well as players.
He said: ‘The All Blacks in particular were keeping the ball in play longer rather than kicking for touch, reducing the number of set pieces and opportunities for referees to catch their breath.
'The ball in play is around 40 minutes in the test matches this year because of the way we're playing. If you talk to our tight forwards, they'll talk about how the game has changed, markedly, because of the amount of running they have to do.
‘Referees are going to need to make sure they're up there fitness-wise.’
After the game, New Zealand coach Graham Henry renewed his call for a second match referee to be made available to relieve the first after a period of time.
He said: ‘It might be after 50-55 minutes. So you have two quality refs who can keep up with the play.’
Smith added that the increased pace had rejuvenated the game as a spectacle after last season was marked by territory-based kicking games.
‘I think the game is going in the direction people want it to go in. There can't be too many complaints around from people watching the game at the moment.’
Alain Rolland, a former Ireland rugby international, is due to referee next week's Tri-Nations clash, which is also between New Zealand and South Africa.
