Rugby: TV refs vital in fast rugby, says Kirwan

Kirwan denounced those who said the interruptions destroyed the rhythm and flow of the match. Photo / Richard Robinson

Blues coach thinks verdict accuracy more important than uninterrupted rhythm.

Rugby should get used to referees' increased use of the television match official, according to Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.

The game was too fast for referees and his assistants to be always convinced about incidents and they were often unsighted.

The Blues' latest clash with the Highlanders demonstrated those difficulties as Steve Walsh asked TMO Ben Skeen for verdicts about seven incidents including Ma'a Nonu's illegal tackle on Piri Weepu.

Kirwan denounced those who said the interruptions destroyed the rhythm and flow of the match.

"If we want to become more professional we can't ignore it," he said.

"The reality is we have to get things right if we can - decisions could mean people get to hang on to their jobs. There is too much riding on these decisions for us to say we won't go back and have a look.

"Having a TMO is outstanding. If the process takes another 15 minutes then you can go and get another beer and a hotdog.

"Are referees erring on the side of conservative by calling for the TMO? Maybe they are, but isn't it better for everyone if we get the right decision?"

For some time Kirwan has advocated two referees should control games, as they did in rugby league.

The more officials got right, the better. It added rather than detracted from matches.

Overturning the original penalty-only ruling on Nonu was a case of the referee getting it right.

Another senior referee, Jonathan Kaplan, also used the referral system several times on Saturday during the Hurricanes match with the Waratahs.

Incidents could be a blur as players raced around the field at more than 30km/h and match officials needed help so their calls meshed with what audiences saw on television.

"When we played the Waratahs we had three key decisions go against us that cost us 10 points and none of them were looked at by the TMO," said Kirwan.