International referees are slow and unfit.
So says All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, who believes they need to sharpen up if they are to keep up with the increasing pace of test rugby. "The ball in play is around 40 minutes now consistently in the test matches we have played this year," said Smith.
"If you talk to tight forwards they will tell you how the game has changed markedly with the amount of running they've got to do.
"Just as the players do, the referees are going to have to make sure they are right up there fitness-wise."
Smith raises a valid point. Whistleblower Alan Lewis struggled to keep up at times as the Men in Black played a superb open, high octane game to thrash the Springboks 32-12 at Eden Park last Saturday.
Some might argue it was his lack of fitness which saw Jimmy Cowan's blatant obstruction on Springbok lock Bakkies Botha early in the first half go unnoticed. Referees have very much been the subject of the All Blacks management's interest this week as they prepare for a return showdown against the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday.
Graham Henry suggested rugby follow league's example and get two refs in to officiate. Smith said there was some merit to that idea.
"The game is going in the direction people want it to go in. There can't be too many complaints around from people watching the game at the moment. We just have to make sure that the fitness levels of everyone goes up so we can continue playing it."

HENSON'S Downward spiral continues

Is Gavin Henson's career over?
That's the question many are asking after the former Welsh star was absent at the Ospreys' first training session of the season.
Having been on unpaid leave for 18 months as he recovered from shoulder and groin injuries, speculation had been rife the 28-year-old would don the boots this season with a view of reviving his career a year before the 2011 World Cup.
However, he was nowhere to be seen when the rest of his teammates rocked up at their Swansea training base earlier this week.
Club officials said Henson's position had not changed and that he will remain on unpaid leave until he indicates a wish to resume his career.
One man who would like to see the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam winner return to the game is Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"We should not underestimate the significance of Gavin not being available," said Gatland. "I would like to see him back."
Meanwhile, Gatland has received more bad news with promising centre Jamie Roberts set to miss the autumn internationals.
The 24-test veteran was told he required wrist surgery after arriving home from Wales' two-test series against the All Blacks.
The 23-year-old Cardiff Blues man – who was one of the few Welsh players to impress while Down Under – originally picked up the injury while playing for the British and Irish Lions in 2009 against South Africa, but initial scans failed to detect any problems. Roberts will miss tests against Australia, South Africa, Fiji and the All Blacks, but should return in time for the Six Nations.

SOCCER CITY ON COURSE FOR SELLOUT

It looks likely the full house sign will go up at Soccer City.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union announced that all currently available tickets had been snapped up for the August 21 Tri Nations test between the Springboks and All Blacks at the National Stadium, which hosted the Fifa World Cup final between Spain and Holland.
More than 44,000 tickets went on sale and sold out within 48 hours during the first phase of sales.
A further 5000 tickets will go on sale at outlets in Soweto on July 26, with a second phase of tickets to be made available once allocations have been returned by stakeholders.
The iconic venue, which seats 93,000, will host the biggest Springbok test in 55 years since an estimated 95,000 attended the third test between the Boks and the British Lions at Ellis Park in 1955.

BOKS SUFFER BLOW

The Springboks are sweating on the fitness of Dannie Rossouw.
The tough utility forward, who was named to start in the second row in place of the suspended Bakkies Botha for the second test against the All Blacks in Wellington, went down at training yesterday after straining a calf muscle.
Springbok management have called for reinforcements, with Flip van der Merwe set to join the squad.
Should Rossouw be ruled out of the test, his place in the starting XV will go to the big unit Andries Bekker, with Van der Merwe promoted to the reserves bench.

ALL BLACKS MAKE TWO CHANGES

Piri Weepu and Rene Ranger have been handed starts for the second Tri Nations test against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.
Weepu replaces Jimmy Cowan, who has recovered from his abdominal strain, at halfback in what is set to be his 40th test, while Ranger will slot into the left wing for his first start in the black jersey.
On the bench, Israel Dagg will provide cover for the outside backs.
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TIGERS TO PLAY WALLABIES

Leicester Tigers have the chance to add another Southern Hemisphere heavyweight to their list of international scalps.
Having beaten world champions South Africa 22-17 last season, the reigning Premiership champions will play the Wallabies at Welford Road on November 9.
"It is a very special event when an international squad plays on a club ground and we are delighted to be able to welcome Australia this year," said Leicester Tigers managing director David Clayton.
"The Springboks fixture last season was a very memorable occasion and we're looking forward to another historic encounter with the Australians. I'm sure this will be a popular fixture among our supporters and there will be great interest in the game."
Coach Robbie Deans said like last year's matches against Gloucester and Cardiff Blues, the midweek fixture would be a beneficial experience for his players.
"Going up against Leicester – the Premiership champions – is an exciting opportunity for our players, and Australian Rugby in general," said Deans.
"Players are faced with unfamiliar circumstances, foreign referees and players that they have never encountered before in these tour games, which all serves to add to the difficulty associated with the contest.
"Leicester beat South Africa last year, which serves to highlight what a tough game it is going to be."
The Wallabies are also scheduled to play tests against Wales, England, Italy and France on their November tour to Europe.

THUG COPS FIVE YEAR BAN

A Rugby Football Union disciplinary appeal hearing has suspended Whitehaven RFC's Callum Jennings for five years after an on field incident which left a player blind in one eye. The incident occurred on October 24, 2009 when Jennings made reckless contact with Alan Hedworth's eye with an "unlawful hand-off" during his side's game against Aspatria RFC.
Hedworth is now blind in his left eye as a result of the injury.
Jennings was appealing a 78-week ban imposed on him by RFU disciplinary hearing on March. However, after hearing expert medical and rugby law opinion, the charge was upgraded to one of striking
The panel found the act to be at the top end of offending.
Jennings cannot play again until March 17, 2015.

AGEN SIGN TWO INTERNATIONAL STARS

Newly promoted Top 14 team Agen has signed two former internationals for the 2010/11 season.
Welsh centre Jamie Robinson and Argentinean No 8 Alejandro Campos have been added to the roster.
Robinson, who has played 23 tests for his country, played for Toulon last season and replaces the South African Daniel du Plessis.
Campos is also no stranger to French rugby, with the 10-test veteran having previously represented Clermont and Montauban.
Agen had been hoping to sign Welsh powerhouse Andy Powell, but the Cardiff back row forward finally opted to move to London Wasps.
Agen won the second division championship last season and will be making its first appearance in the top-flight in three years.