Lions coach urges refs to make use of video help

Neil Jenkins has urged referees to use video technology to stop marginal calls affecting the British and Irish Lions Test series.

Kicking coach Jenkins remains adamant that Owen Farrell converted a penalty during last weekend’s 12-3 win over the Crusaders, despite the touch judges ruling out the attempt.

“It was over; it was,” said former Lions fly-half Jenkins, of Farrell’s penalty shot that was ruled out.

“We were in behind it and it was over. Look, it’s incredibly hard to be a referee and a linesman.

“If you’re standing directly underneath the posts, you can’t tell me if that’s gone over or if it’s just crept in or not, so the referee has to take control there as well and if he’s unsure then maybe you do go to the TMO.

“But both Owen (Farrell) and I felt the kick was certainly over. It just crept in.

“We did ask him (the referee to check with the TMO) and he didn’t want to know. I don’t see why it would be an issue to go to the TMO. That’s my view anyway.”

Farrell, Johnny Sexton and Leigh Halfpenny will all be itching to take the kicking reins for the three-Test series against the All Blacks. The Lions are likely to field a starting line-up approaching something like their Test XV for Saturday’s Maori All Blacks clash in Rotorua.

Jenkins admitted the Lions’ coaches have a tough choice in opting for a front line goal-kicker – but insisted that call will only be made following team selection.

“It depends on who’s in the team firstly, but across the board we’re pretty strong in that respect,” said Jenkins.

“We’ve got Owen, Leigh, Johnny, Dan (Biggar) and Greig (Laidlaw), and obviously Elliot (Daly) as the longranger as well.

“It’s not going to be easy, but selection is firstly more important with who’s playing, and then kicker selection comes from that. I have no doubt that whoever kicks this series will be very strong.”

Halfpenny has endured a rough 18 months of knee problems, but Jenkins insisted the Wales full-back is now hitting top form. “He’s not far away from being what he was four years ago,” he said.

“There’s no doubt that he can get back to being one of the best in the world.”