Bob Francis says it is time for Sanzar, the organisation in charge of the Super 15 rugby competition, to be pro-active in restricting the number of controversial decisions currently being made by television match officials.
Francis, one of the world's best during his own refereeing days and a member of the referees appointments panel for the last two World Cups, decided to go public with his views after two crucial Super 15 games played over the weekend, Hurricanes v Chiefs on Friday night and Crusaders v Force on Saturday evening, attracted huge debate over the awarding of tries by the TMO.
He is concerned the present furor will continue if Sanzar is not prepared to follow the 2011 World Cup line and appoint dedicated TMOs for Super 15 games.
"We used only four TMOs through the whole of the last World Cup and hardly had a problem," Francis said. "It is not a role which should ever be taken lightly and the more experience you give those who do it the better they will get, having the same people doing it week after week makes sense.
"It might have a bigger cost to it but it will certainly stop a lot of the controversy which is happening now, and that's what needs to happen."
