Jenkins in plea over use of video technology

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 Owen Farrell converted a penalty attempt during the 12-3 win over the Crusaders, despite the touch judges ruling out the attempt.

Farrell was nonplussed when the shot was chalked off, while Johnny Sexton urged referee Mathieu Raynal to check with the Television Match Official to no avail.

Former Lions fly-half Jenkins believes Wales were undone in 17-16 defeat to South Africa at Rugby World Cup 2011, where a James Hook penalty that appeared successful was also ruled out.

“It was over; it was,” said Jenkins, of Farrell’s penalty shot that was ruled out against the Crusaders on Saturday.

“We were in behind it and it was over.”

Farrell, Johnny Sexton and Leigh Halfpenny will all be itching to take the goal-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 goalkicker, 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 long-ranger 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.

Halfpenny has endured a rough 18 months of knee problems, but Jenkins insisted the Wales full-back is now hitting top form.

Neil Jenkins was puzzled when Owen Farrell’s penalty was chalked off.