Rugby: Seeing might be believing

By Chris Rattue

North Harbour chief executive Doug Rollerson has backed the call to introduce video referees, saying it is an inevitable addition to rugby.

The controversy over Harbour's loss to Otago eight days ago has continued to bubble along, with Rollerson unhappy about comments made by coach Wayne Shelford who publicly attacked referee Paul Honiss' performance.

Honiss was criticised and supported by fans, commentators and officials for awarding three penalty tries in the match, which Otago won at Carisbrook.

North Harbour were more upset by the ruling out of a Karl Te Nana intercept try for offside, and the video debate was fuelled further when top referee Colin Hawke rubbed out what appeared to be a legitimate try to Auckland back Caleb Ralph in the latest round against Canterbury.

Rollerson, a former All Black test first five-eighth, said last night that referees needed support and the video referee would help.

Last night's National Rugby League playoff between Melbourne and Canterbury included a good example of video assistance - when a 90-metre Melbourne try was ruled out for a knock-on, he said.

And although one match in every round of rugby's NPC competition is not televised, Rollerson still believes the video should be used at every opportunity.

Rollerson, a junior referee, will push the video angle with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.

"Absolutely yes. The video has to be used," said Rollerson, who played rugby league in Sydney in the early 1980s.

"I've been asked so many times lately and I've got no doubts. For example, the Karl Te Nana [non] try. The referee must have seen something but it would have been good if he could have gone back and seen what actually happened.

"It would simplify things - as long as the game is not held up too long - you can see from rugby league it doesn't have to be.

"There are differences in the quality of referees and linesmen and the video can also help balance that out.

"I believe in the technological age that it is inevitable. Rugby league still has the option of the referee's call and he usually gets it right. But it is still a good thing to try to make sure that the calls are correct."

All Black legend Michael Jones called for the video after Auckland's loss to Canterbury.

All Black coach John Hart has an open mind on the issue, but does not want a sudden introduction before the World Cup.

Both Hart and outgoing NZRFU chief executive David Moffett want to see the result of SANZAR video trials in South Africa before taking a stance.