New Zealand has told international rugby referees to "get fitter" in order to keep up with the pace of the modern game.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith delivered the message Wednesday ahead of the second Tri-Nations clash against South Africa, saying referees needed to be at peak fitness to meet the demands of Test rugby.

Smith's comments came after last week's first Test when 46-year-old Irish referee Alan Lewis appeared to struggle to keep up with play as New Zealand won 32-12.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2...259568,00.html