By CHRIS RATTUE
To most in the sporting world, he is known simply as the video ref.
In official rugby parlance, he is the television match official (TMO).
Whatever the handle, this new rugby character has made a mark already in two Super 12 rounds and to good reviews.
There has been the odd case where the video man should probably have been called into play but was not. But in general, he has made quick and correct decisions where needed.
The latest case came yesterday when Chiefs number eight Isitolo Maka had a try ruled out when the TMO found he had forced the ball on the leg of Blues prop Paul Thomson.
It was a classic case of why video is a plus. In the past the referee and linesman - who both seemed unsighted - may well have put two and two together and got five. But the video replay clearly showed the ball was not grounded.
Three incidents over the weekend deserve some closer attention. The first came in Dunedin when Sharks wing Rodger Smith was awarded a try after television showed he did not force the ball correctly. Referee Andrew Cole should have called for the replay, but was badly guided by his touch judge who ruled a try.
The following night in New Plymouth, Reds halfback Jacob Rauluni had a try disallowed when referee Andy Turner thought he had knocked on close to the line as he scooped the ball over. The television replay showed it was a fair try, yet Turner did not ask for TMO assistance.
Reds coach John Connolly was generous in his assessment, saying he, too, believed Rauluni had knocked on.
"The referee was certain it was a knock-on so didn't consider the replay ... but in hindsight he should probably have called for it. Even if there is 5 per cent doubt it is worth it," said Connolly.
"But I want to stress I understand the referee's decision."
The interesting point in this case is that, technically speaking, the video man can rule only on incidents in-goal. The only exception is touch near the goal line.
So had referee Turner called for a video decision, strictly speaking any knock-on before the goal line could not enter the equation.
But Keith Lawrence, New Zealand's referee manager, said he believed that in practice any knock-on close to the line would see the TMO rule out the try.
"Common sense would prevail," said Lawrence. He believed some referees were probably hesitant about the video use in early rounds because it was unfamiliar.
The final incident was clear-cut. Chiefs centre George Leaupepe may have knocked the ball on 25m from the tryline during a move leading to a try. Referee Paddy O'Brien ruled, and probably correctly, that Leaupepe had knocked the ball with his knee. The TMO could not have been considered anyway, because the incident was so far away from the tryline.
A final word might belong to Reds coach Connolly, who believes all incidents from the last pass or ruck should be within the TMO's sphere of influence.
"I think that's the way it will go in the end," he said.
Rugby: Video referee scores well
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