Officials move to clarify role of TMOs as hold-ups face criticism

World Cup chiefs have moved to clarify the role of television match officials following the controversial use of replays during the tournament’s opening weekend.

England’s first match with Fiji last Friday lasted more than 100 minutes as referee Jaco Peyper referred six incidents to the TMO for closer inspection.

The over-zealous use of the TV officials continued across the opening round of fixtures, with games involving Tonga and Georgia, Ireland and Canada as well as France’s match-up with Italy all interrupted for lengthy periods as big calls were referred upstairs.