(Worldrugby.org)
In a little under a month’s time, the Rugby World Cup will take place in England, with a number of nations capable of claiming the title. It is touted to be one of the closest and most competitive World Cup’s in recent times, with countries like Ireland, Wales and Australia all hitting form at the right time.
While it has traditionally been a 2 or 3 horse race for the Cup, this year sees teams that would not have normally been given a chance improve considerably and are threatening the powerhouse nations of New Zealand and South Africa.
In light of the situation, the UK’s Daily Mail has reported that for the first time in World Cup history, we may say hawk-eye television make it’s way into the World Cup.
The system was used over the weekend for England’s warm-up match against France and if deemed successful, will make its debut in the World Cup.
The technology has seen great success in tennis, cricket and soccer. It is now time for rugby to follow suit and progress through the tech age. The introduction aims to assist referees during the game to make the most accurate decision possible.
The system will allow the television match official (TMO) to access multiple camera angles, slow motion footage and zoom footage, to cater for all kinds of situations that may unfold.
Rugby World Cup tournament director, Alan Gilpin, spoke with the Daily Telegraph:
“Extensive trials have been undertaken at World Rugby events, across the Pro 12 and other elite matches across the last 12 months and while we continue to test, we are pleased with the performance of the system, which delivers clear benefits for the match official team, the medical team and for fans.”
In recent times, controversial in-game situations have been the talk of the tournament. In the 2007 World Cup Final, English winger, Mark Cueto crossed for a try in the corner, while being close to the sideline. The try was disallowed, and in hindsight, was proven to be the wrong call, and went a long way in deciding the match.
Julian Maddock, rugby director for Sky Sports said, “The key thing is that it can offer zoom-in angles or split-screen angles. For instance, the Mark Cueto ‘try or no try’ decision at the 2007 World Cup final, the TMO, the viewers at home and the spectators on the big screen at the ground would be able to see simultaneously on the split screen when the ball touches down in relation to the foot in touch.”
You would have to think, with the competition becoming closer and closer, this could only benefit the referees and instill a greater confidence, knowing that they have the opportunity to make the right call, even if they are unsure.
While the officiating of the game should see a significant improvement, there is also a positive influence for the medical side of the game. With concussion becoming a hot topic in the world of contact sport, hawk-eye has the ability to monitor off-the-ball play for medical professionals to gain a greater understanding of injury.
One of the most important parts of information for a doctor, when assessing a possible concussion, is to have access to video footage of the incident where the player was injured. Perhaps Hawk-eye can now provide this kind of footage with a number of angles including close-ups.
With the World Cup set to be one of the most thrilling yet, hawk-eye will create a better spectacle and ensure maximum player welfare on the injury front.
