All Blacks to consult with referee

NEW ZEALAND will consult with IRB referee manager Paddy O’Brien before Saturday’s game against Ireland to establish a clear picture of what is expected from both packs at scrum-time.

The world’s governing body has made a determined effort to establish a semblance of uniformity at the game’s signature set-piece but the more deliberate engagement favoured of late hasn’t eradicated the problems.

Resets, collapses, penalties and free kicks were endemic in the four internationals played in Britain and Ireland last weekend, confounding IRB stats which suggest the new approach has met with success in the southern hemisphere.