Frustrated Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea has put the standard of refereeing in Super Rugby Pacific firmly in the spotlight following a 24-21 loss to the Crusaders on Saturday. In the last lineout of the game with the Hurricanes just five metres from the Crusaders' line, Savea appeared to be played in the air by Crusaders captain Scott Barrett – an infringement that should have resulted in a penalty. However, referee Brendon Pickerill let play ABs vs Aussie Rugby continue and eventually ruled the ball unplayable before blowing the final whistle.That sparked wild celebrations among the Crusaders players, but Savea and Jordie Barrett were clearly incensed, and Savea issued some carefully chosen words in his post-match interview with Sky. We came out here and we wanted to prove a point.
The Crusaders, they're the best team in this competition and I'm proud of my boys' efforts. They just missed out in the end. As a leader I like to put pressure on, and demand from the officials and making sure they're doing everything they can to get these calls right. At the end of the day, it can come to either or, and we get an apology the next week but it's too late. The criticism means New Zealand Rugby referees boss Bryce Lawrence may have ABs v Wallaby rugby game work to do next week, as Savea's criticism is certain to generate a discussion about officiating in general. The incident happened at the end of the pulsating match in the capital on Saturday, and there will also be debate about the Hurricanes' decision to kick to touch when trailing 24-21, as a successful penalty would have sent the game into extra time. Barrett would have been at short odds to land the three points, but having rolled the dice the Hurricanes will certainly feel that Pickerill needed to be on the lookout for a Crusaders infringement.
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