Barely a week has gone by without a controversial refereeing decision in New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Former Wales coach Warren Gatland has been left aggrieved in recent times as his Chiefs search for their first win in the domestic tournament.
But at the weekend it was All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith and his Highlanders side bemused by officialdom after having a seemingly good try, early on in their clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington, chalked off.
Despite coming just four minutes into the game, the controversial no-try award proved pivotal as the Hurricanes went on to edge a 17-11 scoreline.
It all started when Mitch Hunt launched a counter-attack from inside his own half after fielding a Jordie Barrett punt upfield.
His burst through the Hurricanes defences left him with just TJ Perenara to beat with Smith in support on his inside shoulder.
The former Crusaders No.10 set Smith free and the All Blacks star cantered over under the sticks for a cast-iron seven-pointer.
But referee Brendon Pickerill intervened and referred the build-up to the try to the TMO for review.
Upon closer inspection, the officials discovered an innocuous piece of shepherding by Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon on Du'Plessis Kirifi as he tried to move out of Hunt’s way.
As the video replays showed, Sky’s commentary team unanimously agreed Hunt was out of reach regardless of where Dixon was placed.
But the the referee and TMO didn't share the same view and ruled out the try.
