All Blacks: Smith calls for two referees

The All Blacks' back three have been strangled this season by offside play, according assistant coach Wayne Smith. Photo / Getty Images

DURBAN - Introducing a second referee to top level rugby is a possible solution to offside play that is strangling the All Blacks' counter-attack, according to assistant coach Wayne Smith.

Successful returns from deep have been sadly missing from New Zealand's tests this year, with their attack generally spluttering over the past seven weeks.

Concerned by offside players well beyond the referee's visual range when opponents kick deep, Smith agreed a second whistler could make the game a better attacking spectacle.

"I think it would. They (International Rugby Board) have been bold in looking at ELVs (Experimental Law Variations) and I think as things progress and modernise I am sure something like that will be trialled somewhere."

A twin-referee system has been introduced to the National Rugby League this year and widely regarded as a success.

Smith smiled when asked if he had any input to the IRB feeder groups who help shape the game's laws.

"I don't anymore. I have enough on my plate trying to get us scoring tries."

Smith's frustration stems from the inability of an experienced back three - fullback Mils Muliaina and wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko - to conjure something spectacular from deep.

They inevitably find a defensive line in their face and are often forced to reply with a kick of their own, effectively nullifying one of New Zealand's strengths.

Smith said referees are ignoring the law which states players in front of the kicker must remain behind a perceived 10m line right across the field from the kick receiver until put onside. There used to be an imaginary 10m circle around the receiver but that had been changed by lawmakers to encourage more counter-attack.

"I think the ideal behind the law changes is to have a more flowing game and a counterattacking game... but I don't think we have seen that yet because I don't think that law has been applied very well," Smith said.

The former All Black also said quick throws from deep are becoming rare as offside players roar forward to cut them off as soon a kick looks like going out.

Smith didn't want to appear to be bleating about referees in the wake of last weekend's 28-19 loss to the Springboks in Bloemfontein.

Irish whistler Alain Rolland belted them 12-7 in the penalty count and Smith said lessons have been learned before they come under the eye of Welshman Nigel Owens in the Tri-Nations rematch here on Sunday morning (NZT).

"There is always a wee bit of interpretation but the laws are black and white. You have got the choice as to whether you infringe or not and we infringed, sometimes stupidly, on the weekend. We have got to put that right, it is nothing to do with the referee."

- NZPA