Blackadder: Too many big TMO calls

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has questioned how often referees are going upstairs rather than going with their gut when making a call on a try.

In recent weeks there have been a number of difficult decisions for a TMO to make, with the try scored by Dane Coles to help the Hurricanes defeat the Chiefs last weekend a prime example.

The Crusaders had a big decision go in their favour a week earlier when a try from Andy Ellis went upstairs and was awarded despite their being some doubt.

Blackadder is concerned that a tough decision with limited TV evidence could decide the fate of the Super Rugby final should it occur at a critical stage in the match. He would prefer if more referees made a decision based on ther instincts.

"It's better than asking the question because then they have to award it anyway," Blackadder told Newstalk ZB. "Very rarely will a TMO go against that question so I just think it's something that I hope doesn't creep into play, especially with the finals on the line now in these big games and these big moments."

Blackadder has also queried the playoffs system that has the Reds in third place as the Australian conference leaders despite having fewer points than the Crusaders, Bulls and Sharks.

The Crusaders boss argues that is simply makes no sense for the conference winners to automatically be in the top three.

"No coach is going to be happy with another team not having more points, being ahead of them but whether I agree with it or not, it's not going to change my focus - that'll be for someone else well down the track."