Austin Healey’s competitive accolades notwithstanding, is infamous for being a divisive figure among rugby analysts. A phenomenal career witnessed him contribute to Leicester more than 200 times. Additionally, he wore England’s jersey 51 times and was part of two Lions tours. However, his defining moment in rugby was indeed the 2001 Heineken Cup final. Playing for Leicester against Stade Français in Paris’ sizzling heat, Healey demonstrated his talent in a match expertly refereed by Ireland’s David McHugh.
In a crucial scenario requiring a try, coach Dean Richards made a near-godly call. He shifted Healey from scrum-half to out-half, and Leon Lloyd from centre to wing. Barely a minute remaining in play, the newly assigned number 10 floated wide from a messy lineout and, receiving a pass from Neil Back in the middle, devastated Stade’s defence. The dazzling breakthrough took him into the 22 before Lloyd secured the triumphant try.
Known as the “Leicester Lip” due to his incisive remarks, Healey often oscillates between humour and controversy. A notable instance is his contentious comment in a Guardian column during the 2001 Lions tour of Australia.
As an analyst, Healey is characteristically swift and unafraid to voice firm, assertive views. He typically provides his verdict ahead of the officials’ consensus. One could find this trait vexing when he misses the mark but, essentially, he’s just fulfilling his duties.
Recently, he was caught on live broadcast noting a potential yellow card during a Saracens-Harlequins match, ahead of the TMO Stuart Terheege’s and referee Christophe Ridley’s review. Terheege, miffed, expressed his reluctance to comment on a decision “because now it appears Austin instigated it since we’re late”. Though it seemed ludicrous, Terheege had seemingly already concluded that a card was uncalled for.
One has to question as to what audio source the Television Match Official (TMO) can tap into. The possibility of being swayed by a prominent former player in pivotal and pivotal decisions cannot be overlooked. For instance, tuning out Brian O’Driscoll might prove a formidable task. I have held the conviction that TMOs couldn’t access the live commentary, however this episode reveals that certain systems are not immune to errors, and may demonstrate variation according to the competition and the broadcasting configuration.
This could illuminate those strange instances where a pundit offers a view, soon echoed by the TMO in a very similar fashion, leading one to conjecture where such a view may have arisen. To maintain integrity, this issue needs resolution.
On Friday evening, Luke McGrath had a seemingly miraculous evasion. Referee Craig Evans and TMO Ben Whitehouse concocted an escape route for the Leinster captain, despite his dramatic, uncontrolled and high-altitude hit on the Bulls’ try scorer Kurt-Lee Arendse seemingly screaming for a “red card”.
One straightforward rule exists: “A player must not engage in anything that is reckless or endangers others.” An essential umbrella clause that encompasses every possible foul play; it was completely applicable in this scenario. Any post-match endorsements of McGrath from pundits were wholly inapt.
The protocol is currently under review, to determine whether the influence of the TMO can be minimized. Though numerous proposals have surfaced, each amplifies the potential for error, and football coaches would surely be unwilling to allow tries containing even minor violations in their formation. They might initially accept it, but I envisage their patience running thin rapidly, with so much on the line.
Picture the post-match dialogue. Only then might the referee become aware of a significant violation that the TMO was not permitted to advise him about during the game. It would be a daunting task to rationalise, and expose the match officials to heightened scrutiny. It’s also worth noting that referees have grown accustomed to the safety net provided by the TMO, and some would be disoriented if there were any downscaling in their role.
Sometimes during a game, the Television Match Official (TMO) has an ongoing influence, making spontaneous decisions communicated to the referee. These decisions often do not necessitate a pause in the game. There are instances where referees can be heard asking the TMO to verify something. While sometimes it’s clear what they want checked, at times it’s not so straightforward.
This state of affairs may need some protocol revisions. Perhaps the referee should rely more on his perception of the event rather than waiting for confirmation from the TMO. But, the protocol is so intertwined with the game that the prospect of a sweeping overhaul seems unlikely.
Opinions differ on whether TMO Brian MacNeice was right to alert referee Angus Gardner to an offence that led to France securing the winning penalty against England. Personally, I believe MacNeice made the right call and the idea that the TMO should only highlight what might result in a red card won’t reduce the risky play. The deterrent effect of the existing system is much higher.
However, there is a significant barrier to achieving worldwide consistency; the differing interpretations between the hemispheres regarding what merits a red card. This is a pressing issue that needs to be rectified by finding a common standard. In the Six Nations we see a uniform approach, but the variance in the southern hemisphere competitions is a cause for concern. Predictably, their perspective Down Under is utter opposite.