Rugby: Refs open up to scrutiny

Referee Jonathon White calls the shots during a Super 15 match last season. Photo / Paul Taylor

Super Rugby referees are opening themselves up to increased scrutiny in the upcoming season.

Key decisions and statistics will be tracked for the first time and released online for public and media consumption.

SANZAR referees boss Lyndon Bray says they'll be more accountable.

He says they'll be tracking the speed of the ball, how long the ball is in play and the first hit success of scrums.

Bray says they'll be accountable for their performances but it means players and teams will also be followed more closely.

He says the referees accept they'll be under further scrutiny.

Meanwhile the closest Kiwi Bryce Lawrence will get to refereeing in South Africa in the first six weeks of Super Rugby will be a round six match in Perth.

He was widely condemned for his officiating in the World Cup quarterfinal between the Springboks and Wallabies last year.

Lawrence will have the whistle in four games in the opening six rounds and will be an assistant referee in the other two.

Bray says they'll be keeping a close eye on his form in the opening rounds.

He says the games that Lawrence will control will hopefully bring him back into form.