Breakdown rulings major issue

Uncertainty around rugby referees' rulings at the breakdowns continues to be a major issue.

The problem was again highlighted in the match between Canterbury and Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup last night.

Canterbury hung on to win the match 27-22 but not before suffering a huge penalty count against them as they tried to stop the Auckland comeback.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney says inconsistency between referees is the main problem.

Penney says there is so much inconsistency in the way it is being ruled.

He says there needs to be more uniformity so the players can have more understanding about what they are and are not allowed to do so they can get on with playing the game

Auckland's loss means they could lose top spot this afternoon to Waikato or North Harbour.

Southland look to cement the final quarterfinal spot by stopping Northland taking five points from their match today.

- NEWSTALK ZB