Chiefs star Anton Lienert-Brown has opened up on the frustration over the side's Super Rugby Aotearoa losing streak, admitting it had played a part in the post-match incident involving referee Brendon Pickerill after a loss to the Blues on Sunday.
The All Blacks midfielder was adamant No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula scored under a heap of bodies during a late surge for the line and was frustrated that Pickerill didn't opt to consult the TMO to check a possible match-winning try.
Lienert-Brown, alongside Chiefs captain Sam Cane and first-five Aaron Cruden, surrounded Pickerill to take issue over the late game-changing penalty.
They were later urged by New Zealand Rugby's referees boss Bryce Lawrence to show more respect.