Bowing to considerable public pressure SANZAAR has ordered a review of Super Rugbyâs video refereeing system Monday, admitting the current system is âclearly not workingâ after a string of contentious decisions.
Coaches and pundits have expressed concerns in recent weeks that the television match official (TMO) is becoming increasingly influential and undermining the on-field referee.
SANZAAR, which oversees Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship, said it had major concerns about the way TMO protocols were being implemented.
âThe protocols are clearly not working and a specific review is required in this area,â Chief Executive Andy Marinos said in a statement.
âSANZAAR believes the appointed referee needs to remain the key decision maker on the field and that TMO interventions only provide context to the match officialsâ decision making.â
SANZAAR said the concerns had been highlighted over the past month, although it did not cite specific cases.
However, the most recent controversy centres on Sunwolvesâ flanker Ed Quirkâs red card after replays showed him brush a closed fist on the cheek of Queensland Reds fly-half Hamish Stewart.
Even Redsâ coach Brad Thorn disagreed with the decision, which helped his team to a 48-27 win, calling Quirkâs action a âlove tapâ.
Thorn was also critical of the TMO last month when the Reds were given two first-half yellow cards in a loss to the Blues that appeared innocuous in real time.
There was a similar debate when Sunwolves wing Semisi Masirewa was red-carded against the NSW Waratahs a week later.
Similar controversy has also affected international matches, with Franceâs Benjamin Fall sent off in the first Test against the All Blacks last month for a dangerous tackle as Beauden Barrett leapt to catch a kick.
The TMO supported the on-field decision on the night but World Rugby later rescinded the card after reviewing footage of the incident.
Australians also questioned Israel Folauâs yellow card in a series-deciding loss to Ireland, when he was punished for upending Peter OâMahony but appeared to be going for the ball.
On this occasion French referee Pascal Gauzere seemed to be over-ruled by TMO Ben Skeen after originally deciding the incident did not warrant any sanction.
Marinos said SANZAAR could not unilaterally change TMO protocols, which are governed by rugbyâs international rules.
âHowever, we are keen to lead the discussion in this important area,â he said.
âFollowing our review we will take our recommendations to World Rugby, the guardians of the Laws of rugby, to ensure beneficial outcomes are achieved for the game.â