Two referees in Super Rugby?
February 01 2010
Super Rugby could be set to adopt a dual-referee system after encouraging talks were confirmed by National Referees' coach Andrew Cole.
The radical idea, which is already being used in the NRL, has been given the full support of Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill and their four franchises, with Cole insisting the plan would make the game more attractive.
''Having two refs is certainly something we're thinking about,'' said Cole, speaking to Rugby Heaven.
''It's been discussed. It's been trialled in lower grades in South Africa.
''We do watch a lot of other sport and other games and how the officials interact, and all that sort of stuff, and we are keeping a close eye on that development. At this stage it's something we're certainly keeping a close eye on. It's got some merit.''
The news comes after officials in all three countries had recently been given a clear mandate to deal with key problem areas in the game in an effort to create clarity for players, fans and officials, and to enable the kind of rugby that Super Rugby fans have come to expect.
Areas such as the 'tackled ball', 'players in front of the kicker', 'scrum engagement' and 'formation of the maul' were highlighted as problematic by SANZAR Referees Manager Lyndon Bray.
However, Cole is hopeful that the introduction of the system could possibly flush out those problems that have hindered such players as Wales wing Shane Williams.
''[Having two referees] depends how the game goes this year with those new interpretations, I guess,'' he added.
''At this stage we're sticking with the breakdown adjustment but it is definitely an option.
''I know it was trialled in Durban, but those things tend to need development. I think they found issues in that the game is complicated at the breakdown and therefore because there are so many offences that can occur that it could have refs on either side of the breakdown with different interpretations.
''Again, it's got some merit but at this stage it hasn't pushed forward beyond that.''
''They'll (referees) be cracking down on players advancing in front of the kicker and that's another thing that will hopefully open up a bit more space on the field.
''The idea behind the breakdown interpretation is to make for more attractive rugby. That's the intention. It's the same idea behind the offside.
''The genesis of them was at the post-Super 14 review in August last year where there was a coach and referee representative from each of the three countries - Dave Nucifora represented Australia.
''What they've found is that referees have been too lax on players being offside and in front of the kicker, and therefore when the player receives the ball there's a straight line of defence in front of him. So he's first option, his only option really, is to kick it back.
''Whereas if we were harder on those players who were offside in front of the kicker, that would open up some more space and hopefully for some counter-attack.
''And I guess, that's an area where a second referee could be an advantage. At the moment we work with the referee and two assistants, so hopefully they will be helping with that sort of thing, but two refs is certainly something we're thinking about.''