03/04/08 (2) - Without a doubt?
Craig Hall almost snatched it for Hull on the final play in France but the video ref ruled ‘non’. TV replays appeared inconclusive, and although the home side undoubtedly deserved their point, I was left wondering whether the benefit of the doubt applied south of the white cliffs of Dover. Without the cameras, it was a dead set try (and having taken the 5/2 Hull in fair size, I wouldn’t have had to worry about the cost of food on the TGV on the return leg).
But having watched Saints v Leeds on my return, I was left doubting whether the benefit of the doubt still applied either side of channel. Could anyone say definitively that first Leon Pryce – apparently pinned for a double movement – and later Scott Donald – presumably ruled not to have grounded the ball – hadn’t scored legitimate four-pointers?
Rugby league, ever prepared to innovate, led the way in the use of video technology, and few would now argue for its repeal. As Daniel Anderson pointed out recently, in an ideal league, all games would utilise the facility, thus ensuring genuine equality. But the video ref shouldn’t be spending several minutes looking for reasons to disallow tries, which is what seemed to be happening this weekend.
Bring back the benefit of the doubt.
