Kickers like fly-half Jimmy Gopperth make long-range penalties an easy score

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates believes rules placed on referees ought to change if rugby union is to become a quicker, more attractive game.

The England Saxons coach feels that pressure on referees to award penalties for infringements is stifling the game and a different system could help.

"We should have more scrummaging," Bates told BBC Newcastle.

"In terms of not giving penalties at the breakdown, if it's not certain, restart the game with a scrum."

Bates' thoughts closely follow on from an attack on refereeing standards by Saracens boss Brendan Venter, after his side's weekend defeat by Leicester Tigers.

The South African blamed the inconsistency of referees in the top-flight of English rugby for declining standards.

However Bates' main reason for complaint is with regard to the improved kicking abilities of today's Premiership players, who can find their target from increasing distances.

With quality kickers such as Sale's Charlie Hodgson, London Irish's Ryan Lamb and Harlequins' Nick Evans around, Bates says even seemingly harmless penalties can become a simple three points for some sides.

"You saw Jimmy Gopperth kick it from five yards inside our half today and just miss or hit the bar, so anywhere within 50 or 60 metres and the referee's got a massive influence in terms of awarding kickable penalties. You've got to strive to take that influence away," he said.

"We want more scrummages. If referees are not sure, give a scrum, use yellow cards more frequently and get people off if they're infringing deliberately and then we might have a faster game."

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