Rugby: Henry wants referees picked on merit

Graham Henry

Graham Henry wants the IRB to consider scrapping the automatic use of neutral referees for tests.

Henry hopes the IRB considers introducing a "merit-based" system for all tests - not just the Lions series - although he said appointments could not be too confined, as a pool of top referees had to be developed and maintained.

New Zealand and the Lions want the chance to pick referees from within their borders for the upcoming series.

The All Black coach said if the merit system was introduced, it should set a precedent.

"We have made our ideas very clear to the IRB. We want referees on a merit system. We'd like what we perceive as the best referees, and if you use it for one series, you've got to use it for all.

"Who knows what decision the IRB will make, but you can't have one decision for one series and another decision for another."

Henry said a change would not lead to complaints of impartial refereeing.

"If the Lions and All Blacks are involved in the selection, you've got no comeback. There is no use bitching after the point.

"If referees are appointed that you are a bit dicey about, you probably could bitch.

"I'm not saying it's a huge issue, but I think it would be helpful if what the All Blacks and Lions consider is best is considered by the IRB. It is important looking forward."