Robbie Deans backs refs after try-happy start to Super 14

Tuesday 23 February 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Super Rugby > Chiefs

The avalanche of tries in the first two rounds of Super 14 has seen Australia coach Robbie Deans praise the officiating.

According to the Wallabies boss, the free-flowing games witnessed so far illustrate the good work being done by referees, who have rewarded attacking play, leading to more high-scoring contests.

There have arguably been more close contests in the first two weeks of this season than in the first two months of the 2009 campaign, and Deans reckons it has been the best start to a Super 14 competition that he can recall.

"To be honest, prior to this emphasis, (the referees) had a sense of being resigned to players and coaches driving the agenda. I think they understand now that they can make a difference," he said.

Meanwhile, opinion has been split over the incredible Lions - Chiefs game at the weekend, which saw the away side record a 72-65 victory in the highest-scoring game of Super rugby ever played.

Posted by Ben Welch