All Blacks relieved over scrum victory

All Blacks coach Graham Henry says yesterday’s apology is a reality for everyone involved in the game. Photo / Getty Images

LONDON - All Blacks coach Graham Henry hopes International Rugby Board (IRB) referees' boss Paddy O'Brien's stinging criticism of Stuart Dickinson has provided a reality check over the baffling scrum rulings.

New Zealander O'Brien yesterday offered a personal apology to the All Blacks over Dickinson's rulings against them in the test against Italy which he described as "completely wrong".

He insisted the Italian props should have been penalised instead for boring in during the tense final minutes when All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata was sinbinned and the hosts demanded a penalty try.

Australian whistler Dickinson was told by O'Brien he must improve his knowledge of the scrum or it could affect his future refereeing appointments.

Henry welcomed O'Brien's action over the All Blacks' complaints which began via Henry at the post-match press conference then continued from assistant coach Steve Hansen who accused Dickinson of "guesswork".

"It's just good to have some reality, some truthfulness," Henry said today.

"I think the scrum's been a problem for some time. If you get two teams who want to scrum legally then you get a good game of football. If you get one team not doing that it makes it a mess so as a spectacle it's poor to look at.

"It's a reality check for everyone, and the guys with the whistle, and our guys are pleased it's happened because it's a frustration. You put a lot of time into scrum training, it's hard work, you want to do it right and if it doesn't happen it's a frustration."

South African referee Jonathan Kaplan will be in charge of the All Blacks' test against England at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT).

- NZPA