Super Rugby
Stephen Larkham seeking maul clarity after Brumbies' trial defeat
AAP
February 7, 2016
© Cameron Spencer

Stephen Larkham has called on Super Rugby officials to review the laws governing rolling mauls after "further inconsistencies" in the Brumbies' first pre-season trial.

Larkham was told in January that referees would clamp down on the way the ball was moved through the maul this year, and he was advised to change the way his forwards set up their go-to move - which yielded 10 tries last season.

But Larkham says confusion remains.

The Brumbies were awarded the opening try in Saturday's 21-17 loss to the Waratahs at Wagga Wagga off the back of a rolling maul. But they were penalised for another rolling maul in the second half, which the coach felt was the exact same set-up as the first.

"[It] was thought to be illegal and was called by the touch judge," he said.

"It's made it really difficult for the referees now.

"They've got to review it.

"I think they'll review that decision and they'll give us some feedback there and we can modify as needed."

Larkham said the Super Rugby teams needed clarity less than three weeks before the new season gets under way.

"It's about going back to the referees, making sure they're happy with what we're doing and then we'll find a middle ground somewhere," he said.

Larkham was otherwisee pleased with the Brumbies' overall performance in a "high-spirited" and entertaining match.

Wallabies Stephen Moore, David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Christian Leali'ifano and Scott Sio will return in the coming trial against Queensland Reds having been rested from the Waratahs fixture.

© AAP

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