Chiefs coach Ian Foster was left frustrated after last night's pre-season Super 14 rugby win over the Blues in Rotorua.
Despite a last gasp try by Chiefs rookie Brendon Leonard that helped his team come from behind and steal a 24-21 victory at the Rotorua International Stadium, Foster
admitted interpretations of the new IRB scrum engagement rule left him and his team frustrated.
Foster said after last week's pre-season opener against the Hurricanes there had been no issue with the new IRB ruling, but he described last night's interpretation as a shambles.
He suggested it contributed to the early stages of the game, played in front of about 6000 fans, not flowing well.
"I guess the real challenge for referees week in and week out is to be consistent with each other," Foster said.
His sentiment was echoed by Blues coach David Nucifora.
"I think it [the new ruling] was the cause of a heck of a lot of the frustration.
"I certainly don't blame the referees they are trying to come to terms with the new laws as well.
"But I think everyone has to work together to get better consistency and understanding of it. The number of short arm penalties that came off scrums out there tonight - they changed the course of the game."
