Kiwis’ black arts must be policed

Jonathan Kaplan says referee Garces needs to watch New Zealand’s illegal infringements in the posttackle area

Ithought Jaco Peyper did a good job in the first Test. In particular I thought he had an excellent first half. That does not mean he was faultless, or that he should not have done better in certain areas, but there really should not have been many moans.

That said, there are still areas for improvement, which Jérôme Garcès should look at when he takes charge of the second Test in Wellington tomorrow.

The crucial area to police correctly is the post-tackle area. Not enough attention is being given to attacking players not acting within the law – for example, there were numerous clean-outs by the All Blacks from the side of the tackle. Whilst I do not see many referees penalising this, as it ruins continuity, it is illegal.

In addition, they are also tackling players who are not interested in taking part in the possible ruck. This happened a few times in the first 20 minutes of the second half, which was, coincidentally, when the game was won and lost.

I brought this point up prior to the tour, and games are decided by the holes created by this type of action. The assistant referees should also help if they spot clear infringements, although the reality is that this type of behaviour has gone on unchecked for years, despite referees and management being aware of the issue. The same goes for the Television Match Official, who got very involved in the first Test.

One area that the assistant referee should have spotted is when the All Blacks dropped a maul five metres from their try-line, just after half-time, with no consequence. This was a crucial time, with the scores still pretty close, and it represented a wonderful attacking opportunity for the Lions.

Refereeing the first Test always carries the risk of not knowing what to expect. The second Test presents its own challenge, with equal pressure, and coaches wanting the referee to address the wrongs from the first.

The aftermath of the Eden Park game was dominated by commentary – led by Lions coach Warren Gatland – on the attack on Conor Murray’s standing leg by Jerome Kaino. Whilst this may have been valid, it is very, very difficult to spot at full-game pace. If the coaching staff felt this was likely to happen, they really should have brought it up pre-match to alert the referee. I will add that not one of any commentary team brought it up, which just goes to show how nebulous an area it is.

Will Garcès be affected by Gatland’s remarks? The reality is that coaches have the opportunity to bring up matters in the prematch meeting. It is then for the referee to sift the information. I found the information very valuable, as it would be an extremely arrogant man who suggests that he has covered all angles prior to a Test.

A junior referee may not have the experience to deal with this added pressure, but Garcès is vastly experienced, and I doubt whether it will taint his ability to see right from wrong, or alter his game plan.

The Lions will also have a new captain, with Sam Warburton replacing Peter O’mahony, and a new player to take charge of communicating with the referee.

Warburton is a class act. I refereed him only at the beginning of his international career, but I was on touch when he was sent off against France in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. He handled the situation with great dignity.

He does not get overly fussed with iffy calls, trusting that they balance out during the course of a game. I find him unemotional and he appears to have great ambassadorial qualities.

If there is a weakness, I would like to see a little more mongrel, more edge. But that would be out of character – and he is doing pretty well as he is.

Sam Warburton is a class act. He does not get overly fussed with iffy calls