Ref: Players will adjust

Getting players to roll away from tackles to create space was the key to problems suffered by the Blues in their 20-34 loss to the Hurricanes in the Super 14 opener at Albany's North Harbour Stadium on Friday night.

Australian referee Stuart Dickinson was the first of the Sanzar Super 14 referees to face the media after his control of the game in Albany on Friday night, and he outlined the reasons why the Blues suffered.

He said the players' understanding needed to lift because the system had been implemented as a result of discussions between referees and coaches, who had been supportive of the changes and everyone needed to get on track with the rulings.

Dickinson said there was obvious understanding of his rulings as he could hear captains telling their players during the game that they knew they had to get out of the tackle situation as quickly as possible.

"They are adjusting but look, it is week one and we've got 90-odd games to go and it's new for everybody but I think it is important we keep on track," he said.

Dickinson added that throughout the history of the Super rugby series it had taken a few weeks for players to get into law changes.

"Guys have got to get their timing and combinations and fitness up to speed," he said.

There would be some pain initially, but he thought players would adjust.