James Doleman. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
But there will be no point in trying to get on his good side.
Leading Otago referee James Doleman has been training with the squad for several weeks.
It is part of a New Zealand Rugby initiative that means local referees in the Super Rugby officials group do not have to train alone.
The referees get a chance to join in some intensive training sessions before the new season, and teams can call on them for advice about the sport’s various laws.
Brendon Pickerill is training with the Blues, Mike Fraser is with the Chiefs, Ben O'Keeffe is with the Hurricanes, and Paul Williams is with the Crusaders.
In each case, the referee will not be scheduled to officiate in games involving the team with which he has been training.
