29/05/2007 09:53 - (SA)
Jim Kaye
Wellington - All Blacks coach Graham Henry believes referees succumb to home crowd pressure and pointed to New Zealand's recent Test record against South Africa as proof.
The All Blacks have won all three of their Tri-Nations Tests against the Springboks under Henry in New Zealand, and lost three of the four they have played in South Africa.
Henry told a coaches' conference in Wellington that the All Blacks rated South Africa as the toughest side in the world.
"They are very hard to play against. They are the most difficult side to construct our attack against. They have the same traditions in rugby as the All Blacks and they don't fear the All Blacks as some other teams do. We wish they did, but they don't."
Henry said that meant there was a level psychological playing field when the great rivals met, but the venue played a significant role in determining the winner.
"Home advantage is critical, our results show that. I think the referees get under pressure from the home crowds and that affects their decision-making, and that's a concern."
The All Blacks play two Tests against South Africa this year.
Ireland's Alain Rolland will control the first, in Durban on June 23, and Australian Stuart Dickinson the second, in Christchurch on July 14.
Businessday*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of this Blog
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