Wasps chief Tony Hanks vented his frustration on the referee after his side lost against Newcastle.
Wasps boss unhappy about continuing breakdown refereeing
Wasps chief Tony Hanks vented his frustration on the continuing refereeing controversies after blaming the official for defeat at Newcastle.
The Falcons emerged with a 12-6 victory at Adams Park but Hanks says the refereeing of the critical breakdowns was again suspect.
Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter could be in trouble for his stinging remarks about the standard of officiating during their game on Saturday.
Hanks has backed Venter and says that continuing confusion around the breakdown led to Wasps suffering defeat in a dismal encounter on penalties.
"Both teams tried to play some rugby and that's where I'm most frustrated," Hanks said.
"Week-in, week-out the breakdown seems to be different. We need to get clear interpretation in terms of who's allowed to play the ball.
Incentive
"We need that to encourage teams to play rugby. At the moment what incentive is there to play rugby?
"I know it's difficult for the referees but we want a game where you're encouraged to play rugby and not scared to go through a few phases.
"We have to deal with what we've been dealt with in terms of the law but the contest at the breakdown is not even.
"My big thing is the tackler - when he's allowed to play the ball again. Has he released? It's in the tackler's favour at the moment."
Hanks insisted clubs must retain their ambition despite having to operate in the perceived shackles imposed by the current law set and its interpretation.
"As coaches we're the ones who need to take responsibility for it and must continue in our pursuit to play positive rugby," he said.
"We don't want to throw the towel in and we must work with referees. It will take a bit of time."
Bates hits back
Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates sympathised with referees and lauded the contact between clubs and officials, but claimed issues over the tackle area must be addressed.
"In Premiership rugby we have a lot of communication with the refereeing department," he said. "We're constantly talking with them about how they will look at the breakdown.
"Every club had an opportunity to make some recommendations after the last round of matches. I made some, but you don't always see your recommendations being taken up.
"The referee has a very difficult job but we're not seeing as much consistency as we'd all like. There needs to be a move to get the tackler out of the way very quickly and if they don't, then get them off the field."
