The man above (the TMO, not God) set to be given greater power in rugby union

If an experiment in South Africa’s Currie Cup proves successful, the man above could be given greater powers in the game of rugby union in the future.

We’re talking about the Television Match Official (TMO) and not God, of course, although the Irish team may need the help of some divine power to help us get over the setback of the 60-zip defeat to the All-Blacks last weekend.

According to a report on the Planet Rugby website, if trials in the upcoming Currie Cup in South Africa prove successful, the TMO may be given powers far beyond the influence they currently wield on the game of rugby union; as it stands, they are usually only called in the event that there is a doubt over whether or not a try has been legitimately touched down.

In the Currie Cup, however, the referee will be able to consult the TMO about errors or offences that may have occurred in the lead-up to a try, for example, a forward pass or a knock on that wasn’t spotted.

Commenting on the trials, South African Rugby Union referees’ chief Andre Watson said: "The IRB recently gave SARU dispensation to trial the extension of the TMO Protocol and we are very excited to try them out.

"Referrals can now go back to the previous restart, i.e. penalty kick, free kick, lineout, scrum, kick-off, but not further back than two rucks or mauls. That means numerous tackles may occur."

Watson also added that the new experiment would allow on-field match officials to use stadium screens to decide on matters, while TMOs would have the power to inform referees of "incidents and issues" over and above those usually requested when trying to determine whether or not a try had been scored.

The full TMO trials are as follows:

TMO may be referred to as per the current application as well as:

1. When match officials are unsure whether foul play has occurred anywhere on the field or in-goal.

2. When match officials believe there may have been an infringement by the team that scored a try or touched down.

3. When match officials believe a try or touch-down was prevented by an infringement.

4. To confirm the success or otherwise of kicks at goal.

The Infringements referred to in rule three and listed by the IRB include knock-ons, forward passes, player in touch, off-sides, obstructions, tackling a player without the ball, foul play and double movement in act of scoring.

Although still in the experimental phase, allowing the TMO greater influence seems like a great idea as there have been numerous occasions that television analysts and even supporters watching on television have spotted errors that escaped the attention of the referee in the run-up to a try, but at present, it is beyond the control of the TMO to advise the referee on such information.

Mike Phillips’ infamous try against Ireland in the 2011 Six Nations (see below) immediately springs to mind, and although we might have been on the end of a few favourable decisions ourselves over the years, the new system should ensure fewer mistakes across the board so everybody wins.