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I haven't seen, nor can I find, any discussion regarding the new powers granted to TMOs in the latest round of IRB law changes. These appear to be the law changes, although I've got this from a few different websites, so I can't guarantee the accuracy of it all:
1. The referee can now ask the TMO to rule on any incident between the last stoppage in play and the ball being touched down. If there are multiple phases of play, the TMO could review every phase to identify infringments, although apparently the Currie Cup has said the TMO will only be able to adjudicate on the last 2 phases of play (which makes sense to me). The TMO will also be able to advise the ref on incidents which may have occurred in the field of play in the lead-up to a try being scored, and on incidents of foul play.
2. Conversion kicks will have to be completed within 90 seconds of a try being awarded.
3. At rucks, the ball will have to be used within five seconds of becoming available at the back of a ruck after the referee has instructed a team to “use it.”
4. When the ball goes into touch from a knock-on, the non-offending team will have the choice of a lineout at the point the ball crossed the touchline or a scrum where the knock-on occurred.
5. Quick lineouts will be able to be taken by a player anywhere outside the field of play between the line of touch and the players’ goal line.
6. When a penalty or free kick is awarded at a lineout, the non-offending team will have the choice of a further lineout at which it will have the throw-in.
I thought 5 was the law anyway, but I quite like the changes. I wait to see what effect they have, though.