By CHRIS RATTUE
Waratahs coach Ian Kennedy has questioned the way penalty tries are being awarded - even though he was not angered by the one given to the Chiefs by referee Carl Spannenberg at Rugby Park.
Spannenberg punished the Waratahs for repeat offending, giving the Chiefs a penalty try when the Waratahs took out a lineout jumper.
Traditionally, a penalty try is awarded when a try would probably have been scored, making it a harsh ruling against the Waratahs.
It came after repeat offences around rucks saw the Chiefs turn down three penalty attempts in favour of kicking for touch and attacking from lineouts.
Spannenberg warned Waratahs captain Jason Little before the final offence which gave up the try, for a 30- 23 Chiefs lead.
Kennedy believes a precedent was set by New Zealand's Paddy O'Brien at the World Cup.
"I probably can't object to it [yesterday's ruling] if we pulled their player out in the lineout because it is dangerous. But I just wonder if a try would probably have been scored," said Kennedy.
"It's getting to the stage that if something keeps occurring they'll threaten the penalty try. I'd rather they do it [award the try] after the first one or two times."
He was hardly over the moon about his side's 37-30 victory and said the weekend's results meant it was unlikely his side would make the semifinals.
"We need our best and experienced players to step up a bit," he said.
Chiefs coach Ross Cooper said basic errors, especially kickoffs, had cost his side again.
"That's one that got away, losing in the last three minutes, which is gut wrenching," he said.
"I'm a little bit disappointed with some of the basic things we're not doing well.
"It's so frustrating...we've got to be better than that. We've got to play the percentages more. You can talk about it all you like, but you've got to go out on the paddock and do it."
Chiefs captain Glenn Taylor was a gloomy figure and could not think of a remedy for a side who have had a series of narrow losses to the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Stormers and Waratahs.
Chiefs first five-eighths Loki Crichton will need checks on rib damage before the match against the Bulls in Rotorua on Saturday night.
Rugby: Penalty tries puzzle coach
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