Rugby: Former test ref Kaplan slams All Blacks for ruck offences

Jerome Kaino on the charge for All Blacks against British and Irish Lions at Eden Park. Photo/Photosport

Former international rugby referee Jonathan Kaplan has blown the whistle on the All Blacks for illegal clean-outs at the breakdown during their first-test victory over the British & Irish Lions.

The South African official, who retired in 2013, presided over the All Blacks in 17 tests during his 17-year career - a record for any referee over any national team at the time.

In a column for Britain's Daily Telegraph, Kaplan has generally praised the job done by compatriot Jaco Peyper at Auckland's Eden Park last week, but highlighted the home team's offending at rucks as an area that will need closer attention tomorrow in Wellington.

"Not enough attention is being given to attacking players not acting within the law," he writes.

"For example, there were numerous clean-outs by the All Blacks from the side of the tackle. Whilst I don't 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 is, 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."

Kaplan said these particular offences have gone unchecked for years, and called on assistant referees and television match official to help out, if they see clear infringements.

He also criticised the officialing team for not penalising the All Blacks early in the second half, when they dropped a Lions maul five metres from their goal-line.

"That was a crucial time, with the scores still pretty close, and it represented a wonderful attacking opportunity for the Lions."

Kaplan warned that Frenchman Jérôme Garcès would be under incredible pressure to right the wrongs from the first test, something that has certainly played out in the media this week, especially from Lions coach Warren Gatland.

"The aftermath of the Eden Park game was dominated by commentary on the attack on Conor Murray's standing leg by Jerome Kaino," he said. "While 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."

"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."

With tour captain Sam Warburton named in the run-on side, the Lions will have a new voice in the ear of Garcès and, ironically, Kaplan seemed to hinted that the Welsh flanker was too nice.

"Warburton is a class act," he said. "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."