22 Nov 2016

Guscott tells refs to keep an eye on the All Blacks

6:47 am on 22 November 2016

Former England rugby centre Jeremy Guscott has called on referees to keep a closer eye on the All Blacks as the fall-out continues from Sunday's win over Ireland in Dublin.

Sam Cane's tackle on Ireland's Robbie Henshaw has been cited.

Sam Cane's tackle on Ireland's Robbie Henshaw has been cited. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Blacks had two players sin-binned during the game and two players - Sam Cane and Malakai Fekitoa - have been cited for dangerous tackles.

A number of Irish reports described the All Blacks performance as brutal.

In his BBC column Guscott says referees need to look harder at New Zealand.

"World champions New Zealand play everything at an incredible intensity. They understand the laws of the game, where the boundaries are and how the referee might react. They use it to their advantage.

"But on Saturday Ireland couldn't beat a side who were playing with 14 men for 20 minutes. You have to say they should have won the game.

"Referees need to look harder at New Zealand - their speed and intensity means the game moves so quickly, but they are canny. The All Blacks have to watch their high tackles - they have got a reputation for it and have had two players cited from Saturday - but for all that, you can't blame the players.

"I'm not one who thinks their players go out there to hurt anyone illegally, they are sportsmen and do their best. There is ferocity in everything they do and they take everything to the limit, but it is up to the referee to be better at seeing and penalising them."

Former England centre Jeremy Guscott.

Former England centre Jeremy Guscott. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Ireland will be without centre Robbie Henshaw and first five Jonathan Sexton for their final November international against Australia.

Henshaw was knocked unconscious by a shoulder contact to his jaw in the game against the All Blacks last weekend, suffering a concussion.

Sexton suffered a minor hamstring injury and has been ruled out this week.

Flanker CJ Stander is in doubt after leaving the field in Dublin with a suspected concussion, he'll go through concussion protocols this week.

There's also concern for full-back Rob Kearney who developed concussive symptoms after the game.

-RNZ