McBain expresses frustration at rule interpretations
March 5, 2001

Queensland coach Mark McBain is the latest in the growing list of coaches to express his frustration at the new rule interpretations.

McBain's Reds lost 32-29 to the Waikato Chiefs in Rotorua on Friday and while accepting it wasn't to blame for the loss, believed the rule interpretations were causing doubt in the minds of his players.

McBain and senior players will sit down with South African referee Tappe Henning this week to go through the match video after Henning refused a request from McBain to attend training this week. Henning, who controlled the game against the Chiefs, will control the Reds next game against the Auckland Blues on Sunday.

There were 28 penalties during Friday's game, 17 of which came from the breakdown. And what is proving the most frustrating aspect for coaches, players and fans, the attacking side was penalised nine times at the breakdown when players went off their feet.

Rival flyhalves Elton Flatley (Reds) and Glen Jackson (Chiefs) had a field day landing 11 penalties between them.

"I'm not saying the referee cost us the game because we really should have won it, but what's happening is a concern," McBain told AAP. "There were a lot of decisions made that were puzzling for both sides and we have to address it.

"The problem is (the interpretations) are so different to last week and the week before that, and they have been different from game to game this weekend. I'd just like to see a bit more of law 23 - common sense."

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