[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Nucifora calls for extended playoffs

Friday 16th May 2008

Blues coach David Nucifora has made a case for extended play-offs system in the Super 14 after his side's exciting 19-17 win over the Hurricanes on Friday.

The win keeps the Blues' hopes for a semi-final berth alive, but if results in South Africa don't go their way on Saturday, both teams might miss the cut which Nucifora finds unfortunate.

"It is a tough competition and it is possible both teams could miss out and that would be a shame, as both teams probably deserve to be there," he told Sportal.

"But if you had a six teams finals play-offs system it would be a better outcome," he said.

Nucifora also highlighted the fact that the side from Auckland has lost eleven players from the team that made the semi-finals last year which underlines the hard work they've put in this season.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved," said Nucifora who commented ruefully that his nerves were shot after the tight game and was happy to be taking up a less stressful position in Australia.

"It was a great game of football. Everyone who was here got value for their money. Our guys were outstanding coming from 14-3 down to win in the manner we did. That's something I'm pretty proud of.

"It was an outstanding game. Both teams played well, and we played extremely well."

Nucifora wasn't entirely satisfied with the TMO decision that denied flanker Jerome Kaino a try, saying he could see no evidence that the try hadn't been scored.

"When you come down to the last weeks, these tight calls matter when you take all the margins we work within," he added.