Former ref: The fix that would have avoided Joubert gaffe

South African referee Craig Joubert. Photo / AP

Former top test referee Jonathan Kaplan has suggested rugby introduce a captain's challenge after the World Cup quarter-final controversy around his fellow South African Craig Joubert.

Kaplan has criticised Joubert's decision to sin bin Scottish back Sean Maitland, and the way Joubert raced off the field after awarding Australia the last-gasp penalty which saw them grab victory.

But he also attacked the vitriol aimed by pundits at Joubert, and asked why greater emphasis wasn't put on Scotland's botched lineout which created the penalty situation and ensuing worldwide hoo-ha.

On his rate-the-ref website, Kaplan said: "I have regularly expressed that the laws of the game are too complex, not only for the public, but for the players too. To have this much conjecture is not good for anyone, least of al the integrity of the game.

"Technology is here to stay. But for all the interventions by the TMOs, particularly in respect of foul play, they were hamstrung and could not contribute to one of the defining moments of the tournament.This was not a try-scoring situation and it was not foul play.

"A captain's challenge may have solved the problem. We have to to give more power to the players and coaches (and allow them to challenge questionable calls) and less to the men in the middle (the best of whom are making errors quite regularly). The game has become too quick and too complex...perhaps we need a revolutionary change in thinking. Actually, not perhaps, but definitely."

On the quarter-final pints, Kaplan said:

1) The sin binning of Maitland for a deliberate knock on was "harsh, if not downright wrong". He said Joubert should have gone on his instincts instead of relying on TMO Ben Skeen.

2) The challenge on Scotland's Stuart Hogg towards the end of the match could have been referred to the TMO but he backed the decision not to because it was minimal and not worth disrupting the game.

3) Referees are told to blow for the "clear and obvious" and in this case there could have been doubt. "I don't accept the vitriolic comments by some pundits and ex-players who are being paid big money buy networks to offer their opinions. Some of what has gone on is 'the' disgrace...I've yet to see much said about Scotland butchering the throw at the lineout. Let's try and be even handed if we are going to criticise." Kaplan said he wasn't referring to fans, who had a right to voice their grievances.

4) Some asked why he left the field in such a hurry. It's a fair point, whether he's right or wrong. I have always found him to be very courteous...perhaps he felt he didn't want to get involved in further controversy with disgruntled players and coaches. I do think it's important to acknowledge everyone who participated on match day, so I'm not saying it's a good look at all."