"So much at stake" - referees under fire for RWC performances

Referees presiding over Rugby World Cup matches have been taking flak from all quarters. Most of the controversy has centred on tackling -- and the apparent confusion among both players and referees about what can be allowed. Bob Francis chaired the New Zealand Referee Association for 14 years and as a member of the International Rugby Board's Referee Selection Panel was responsible for selecting referees for several world cups. Changes were made ahead of the World Cup to tackling rules to improve player safety. He questions whether enough work was done prior to the tournament to get the referees the TMO, players and coaches all on the same page about the new rules. He says overall the referees have done pretty well, but the delays and use of the TMO need more work.