Refs no problems for Lions: O'Sullivan

Eddie O’Sullivan insisted the performance of referee Jonathan Kaplan in today’s Super 12 final will not come under the scrutiny of the Lions management - though the form of the potential All Blacks will.

Kaplan, who took charge of the Crusaders’ 35-25 victory over the NSW Waratahs in Christchurch, will officiate what could be the Lions’ decisive third Test against the All Blacks.

To add further spice to the occasion, Kaplan’s performance in Ireland’s victory over England at Lansdowne Road during the RBS 6 Nations was heavily criticised by Andy Robinson, now a member of the Lions coaching staff.

But O’Sullivan has no major concerns that controversial refereeing interpretations will prove costly in the Lions’ 2005 Test series.

“The referees we have are international referees so they refereed on both sides of the equator. Every referee is different, but by and large they are very consistent. I don’t see there being any major points of discussion,” said O’Sullivan.

“I guess when team start playing people may raise issues. It is something I am sure will be discussed closer to the Test matches. But I don’t think it will be a major issue, certainly in relation to today’s game.”

Differing interpretations of the laws of the game, particularly at the scrum and breakdown, is a perennial problem in Test matches between northern and southern hemisphere sides.

With less focus placed on the set-piece battle in Super 12 rugby, northern hemisphere sides often feel they are penalised unfairly for a clear dominance at the scrum.

Certainly it was a complaint England had after the World Cup final, when Andre Watson’s controversial calls gave Australia the chance to force extra time.

Today’s Super 12 final was a typically free-flowing game with many infractions - crooked line-out throws and forward passes – overlooked in favour of continuity.

But O’Sullivan was more interested in assessing how the likes of Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter played as the Crusaders clinched their fifth Super 12 title in 10 years.

The Crusaders featured 13 players in their starting XV with All Black caps, the majority of whom are likely to be included when the New Zealand Test squad to face the Lions is announced on June 12.

Canterbury winger Rico Gear showed flashes of the attacking brilliance which has seen him pencilled onto the wing, possibly ahead of Joe Rokocoko or Doug Howlett. Scrum-half Justin Marshall proved he still has the incisive edge to play Test rugby while Aaron Mauger and Daniel Carter set the tone for the Crusaders in midfield.

“It’s a pretty high profile game and a lot of the All Blacks were playing in it. There was an interest from that point of view,” said O’Sullivan.

“But there is a lot of rugby to be played before we face the All Blacks.”

The Lions announce their side to face to Bay of Plenty on Wednesday and it will almost certainly be led by Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll, while Malcolm O’Kelly is fit for selection after withdrawing from the 25-25 draw with Argentina with an abdominal strain.

Scotland loose forward Simon Taylor is still recovering from a hamstring strain and while he is officially available for selection, Andy Robinson indicated today he will not be risked.