Publications
Partners
London - New Zealand coach Steve Hansen criticised the persistent replays on the video screen at Twickenham, which he believed were trying to influence the referee during the 24-21 win over England on Saturday.
Hansen was not impressed by the replays of the second-half incident which led to the yellow card for All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, and New Zealand's final try for prop Charlie Faumuina. After both actions were repeatedly shown on the stadium screen, booing by English fans seemed to prompt referee Nigel Owens to go to the Television Match Official for advice.
After Coles was pulled to the ground by opposite Dylan Hartley, the New Zealander lashed out with his foot and struck England captain Chris Robshaw in the leg. TMO Simon McDowell viewed replays and recommended a penalty against Coles but not a yellow card. But, with Robshaw and the crowd protesting, Owens demanded more replays, then carded Coles.
Later, the crowd's vehemence at Faumuina's try made Owens doubt his try decision and seek a replay while the conversion was being lined up. It took only one view by the TMO to confirm the try was legitimate.
"My biggest concern is not TMOs or referees - my biggest concern is that TV producers are starting to have an influence on the game," Hansen said.
"We don't need a TV producer to replay something 100 times - that's not in the character or the spirit of the game.
"Referees will make mistakes, just like players will make mistakes, and some of those mistakes will cost you the game, but you've got to live with that because some day you'll get the rub of the green and the mistakes you made will let you win it.
"But TV producers, they are starting to annoy me somewhat."
