All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair has used the lead-up to Saturday's series decider in Baltimore to push for stricter breakdown officiating — arguing that verbal referee intervention is slowing New Zealand's ball and that illegal play should be penalised outright rather than managed with instructions. Blair acknowledged the Boks successfully slowed All Blacks ruck speed in Soweto, while noting improvement in New Zealand's gain-line work across the series. On the Springboks' approach in the decider, Blair expects more of the same physicality and collision-based defence, but flags that holding a 2-1 lead might prompt the Boks to explore a broader game — and concedes they have the personnel to do it convincingly.
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Blair wants penalties, not coaching, at the breakdown in Baltimore decider
Mike Blair is calling for referees to penalise breakdown infringements rather than verbally shepherd players, arguing the current approach is costing the All Blacks clean ball — with the series decider in Baltimore on Saturday the backdrop.
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