As the five Super Rugby Aotearoa teams gather themselves for the final few weeks of a remarkable competition notable for its overall excellence – any of the Crusaders, Blues or Hurricanes could win it for heaven's sake, and nearly every match has become an instant classic – a nagging concern remains that the players and indeed the referees aren't getting the support they need from officialdom.
The misfortune suffered by the Chiefs over the past few weeks has been well covered but anyone sitting in Eden Park's east stand last Sunday afternoon could see that Blues lock Josh Goodhue wasn't on his feet when he won a final, decisive penalty on his own try line as he prevented opposing No8 Pita Gus Sowakula from scoring and it ultimately won the game for the home side.
It's understood a directive has come from on high that referees must make bold decisions and not seek second opinions from television match officials in order to keep games flowing but surely their priority must be to make correct decisions with the technology available.
![Ngani Laumape of the Hurricanes and Codie Taylor of the Crusaders have a push and shove during the Super Rugby Aotearoa, Crusaders V Hurricanes match. Photo / Photosport.co.nz](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/PCW2NJNC4RCFX4BH75NBKOZBW4.jpg?auth=a61abb67dbf05d4e85997253ef3dfd0a710b967d6030a530b0c1c475760bafc4&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Referees boss Bryce Lawrence publicly hopes players don't lose their respect for officials after Sam Cane, Anton Lienert-Brown and Aaron Cruden made their disappointment clear to referee Brendon Pickerill after that controversial decision in the 21-17 victory by the Blues but it must be difficult to keep frustrations in check when one feels an obvious injustice has been handed out. The same applies to the crowd and all those watching on television.