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Cape Town - Retired South African referee Jonathan Kaplan believes the All Blacks got away with numerous indiscretions in last weekend’s win over the British and Irish Lions.
After leading 13-8 at half-time, the All Blacks took charge in the second period to win the first Test 30-15 at Eden Park in Auckland.
Kaplan commented on the game via a column for English publication The Telegraph, and while he said referee Jaco Peyper “did a good job”, he felt the South African referee was “not faultless” in his performance.
Jerome Garces will referee this Saturday’s the second Test in Wellington and Kaplan called on the Frenchman to focus on the post-tackle area.
“Not enough attention is being given to attacking players not acting within the law - for example, there were numerous clean-outs by the All Blacks from the side of the tackle,” Kaplan wrote in his column.
“While I don't see many referees penalising this, as it ruins continuity, it is illegal. In addition, they are also tackling players who are not interested in taking part in the possible ruck.
“This happened a few times in the first 20 minutes of the second half, which is, coincidentally, when the game was won and lost. I brought this point up prior to the tour, and games are decided by the holes created by this type of action.”
Kaplan also called on assistant referees to get more involved and help the referee.
Before the Lions' tour to New Zealand, Kaplan also wrote a column where he called on referees to be vigilant of ‘questionable’ tactics employed by the All Blacks.
He warned that the Kiwis were "masters of the subtle nuances".
