Breakdown officiating ensures great start to Super 14 season

Tuesday 16 February 2010
Published By: David Rawlings
Super Rugby > Crusaders

The smooth start to the Super 14 season was helped by some excellent officiating at the breakdown, it has been claimed.

Calls to make the league more exciting were taken on board by the players and referees alike, with six away wins suggesting that this season's competition will be the most unpredictable in years.

Business Day pointed out that a key factor in the fluency of the games was the excellent officiating at the breakdown, which amounted to a "massive improvement" on the first round in 2009.

"Last year, no player wanted to carry the ball into contact for fear of being isolated in the tackle and not having enough time to release the ball. That was the primary reason teams refused to risk attacking and relied instead on a kick and charge approach," the source said.

Meanwhile, Super 14 title favourites Crusaders proved that they have what it takes to tough out matches, as well as dazzle with their flair, by holding off a fightback by Highlanders to run out 32-17 victors.

Posted by David Rawlings