Cape Town - Former Springbok centre Brendan Venter says unless referees change the way they officiate, rugby will remain a game in which teams focus more on defence.

The Stormers are one of the teams who have received some criticism for their recent lack of impetus on attack and while they are reportedly working on it, coach Allister Coetzee admitted that the main focus will remain on defence.

"We'll still be better off if we score fewer tries, but in the process not concede any," Coetzee told Die Burger.

And Venter, the current technical director of English club Saracens, feels referees are making it too easy for the defending team.

"The coaches are now paying more attention to defence because they will do whatever is necessary to win matches.

"Until referees start making it worthwhile to attack, you will see coaches spur their teams on to kick and rather play without the ball. The referees are making it too easy for the defensive team and (too) hard for the attacking team.

"They (the referees) have gone totally overboard with the issue of players smothering the attacking team's ball at the breakdown area. How can a player stay on his feet if he tries to drive his team-mate forward in contact?" said Venter.