The protocol for the use of the television match officials in this year's Sanzar and South African competitions will revert to that of 2013.

According to the SA rugby referees website, this means the TMO will only be allowed to be consulted for two things – the act of scoring a try and foul play.

TMO referrals for such things as knock-ons and forward passes in the last two phases when a potential try is the result, will fall away. The referee and his two assistants will have to deal with that in real time as was the case in the past – seeing and accepting what they see, while reacting to the clear and obvious.

This will reduce the amount of time referees spend consulting with the TMO.

The act of scoring a try means the grounding and how it happened:

• If there is doubt about who first grounded the ball, that is a case for the TMO.
• If there is doubt about whether the potential try-scorer properly grounded the ball, it is referred to the TMO.
• Whether the ball-carrier is in touch or touch-in-goal or not, it is a case for the TMO.
• Whether the deadball line came into play before the grounding of the ball, it is referred to the TMO.