Jaco Peyper has explained the law trials that will be in place for the series between the Springboks and Ireland, including an extension of the TMO’s powers.
World Rugby confirmed in June that it is operating a set of trials during certain Test matches and tournaments in July, including the two-Test series between South Africa and Ireland.
Under the revised protocol, the TMO will now have the additional power to highlight clear and obvious infringements in the final passage of play (from the last restart) to the referee, including knock-ons and forward passes.
In his new role as SA Rugby’s national law advisor, former Test referee Peyper explained that both the Springboks and Ireland had agreed to implement the TMO protocol during the series to speed up the game.
“We are trialling the new Television Match Official protocol this weekend,” Peyper told the media in Pretoria. “Thanks to Ireland for also being willing to go into that space where we recognize that we all need to do something.
“So we have to have some data, trials and be innovative. Maybe after this series, we say no this is, but at least we tested it. Ireland have been with us and that is positive.
“The protocol takes you back to the last attacking possession, so you can review technicalities up to the last attacking possession excluding set-piece stuff, which in the past could only be two phases.
“So, it will give the TMO a chance in real time to look at something. For instance, if there is a clear knock-on or clear foot in touch, you don’t have to play out until there is a try and then go for the big referral.
“Based on the facts because they have factual proof and then they can just stop [the play], the officials can go back and hopefully that speeds up the process.”
Peyper brought his 21-year professional refereeing career to an end last year, after suffering an injury during the 2023 World Cup that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
However, his retirement from rugby was short-lived, as he took up a new role with the Springboks and SA Rugby after a call from Rassie Erasmus.
“Two months ago, I met with my wife, and we agreed that we were done with rugby,” Peyper recalled.
“Two weeks later, we had to go back to the same restaurant and have another bottle of wine, and I had to explain that I was back in rugby, so it’s been quite a turnaround.
“We still haven’t spoken,” he joked.
Peyper explained that his current brief with SA Rugby and the Springboks is quite wide and open, but he is part of day-to-day training during the series.
“My job is not to judge a referee’s performance; my job is to make sure that these fellas coach within the key focus areas and the players play and execute in those areas. And then, obviously, after the game will be alignment, whether we should adjust after a game or the referees will adjust.
“The coaches identify themselves where the potential threats are, I can only give them information on how they can counter them or what makes them illegal. That’s the options I can give them.
“Day-to-day for me is still a developing science,” he explained. “The first brief is something we started last year in the World Cup campaign. I spent a bit of time with the team, and the coaching asked me what they can fix.
“I said we need to build the respect around refereeing in this country not only for this team, but also around refereeing in this country. We need more referees and we need people to serve the game, so we have to create a different environment.
“I do have to referee a bit of the training and last week I had to play a little bit because we were short on numbers but I quickly realised I’m not going to play again.”
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
