Sad to say that the credibility of the TMO system has been called into question at this World Cup.
Rugby Union has attempted in recent years to trumpet itself as an innovator in the use of technology to eradicate incorrect decisions and produce a fair result in games. It has been shown on numerous occasions in this World Cup that it has huge shortcomings in the interpretation of serious foul play. Players have been allowed to get away with dangerous tackles without retribution to often.
If you are going to use technology to determine difficult decisions for referees then TMO's must all have it made clear to them that their individual interpretations of incidents err on the side of guilt rather tha innocence when it comes to foul play.
Also the referee should be allowed to go to TMO for any incident he is unsure about if it is likely to affect the overall outcome of the match.
The referee and touch judges cannot possibly see everything that happens when 30 blokes are charging around the pitch so TMO's should be allowed to intervene at the breakdown to give guidance to the referee particularly if it is likely to lead to points being scored.
It is a shame that a wonderful tournament is being marred by inconsistent refereeing and lack of clarity on interpretation of the laws.
Sorry for the long post but rugby has a massive profile now and unless they start to use technology correctly its credibility will dwindle and it will in the eyes of the fans become like soccer where many are disillusioned with watching believing the outcome is often not achieved fairly
Rugby Union has attempted in recent years to trumpet itself as an innovator in the use of technology to eradicate incorrect decisions and produce a fair result in games. It has been shown on numerous occasions in this World Cup that it has huge shortcomings in the interpretation of serious foul play. Players have been allowed to get away with dangerous tackles without retribution to often.
If you are going to use technology to determine difficult decisions for referees then TMO's must all have it made clear to them that their individual interpretations of incidents err on the side of guilt rather tha innocence when it comes to foul play.
Also the referee should be allowed to go to TMO for any incident he is unsure about if it is likely to affect the overall outcome of the match.
The referee and touch judges cannot possibly see everything that happens when 30 blokes are charging around the pitch so TMO's should be allowed to intervene at the breakdown to give guidance to the referee particularly if it is likely to lead to points being scored.
It is a shame that a wonderful tournament is being marred by inconsistent refereeing and lack of clarity on interpretation of the laws.
Sorry for the long post but rugby has a massive profile now and unless they start to use technology correctly its credibility will dwindle and it will in the eyes of the fans become like soccer where many are disillusioned with watching believing the outcome is often not achieved fairly
