Room 101: Joe Maddock – Saracens wing
Television Match Officials – to give them their full title – definitely have a place in the game. But only if they get decisions right.
I don’t understand how we can still get so many wrong calls with the amount of camera angles the ‘man in the stand’ has to view the scoring act in question.
A few weeks back there was a big Super 15 game between Crusaders and the Lions and there were a couple of obvious cases where the TMO got it badly wrong.
First, Israel Dagg scores in the corner, but the video replay clearly shows he lost control of the ball and did not ground it. Second, Andy Ellis attempts to score from close range but is tackled short of the line.
Video replays clearly show a double movement. However, to their slight embarrassment, both Dagg and Ellis were awarded tries.
There can be no excuses for these sorts of mistakes; they have a huge bearing on matches and in some instances decide the result.
TRP verdict: You’re in. Blind refs are one thing, but TMOs have no excuse.
2. Reality celebs
Like it or not we are in an era obsessed with ‘Reality TV’. For me Reality TV does two things: it raises money for charity using well known people in different competitions/contexts, which is clearly a positive thing.
But on the other hand it introduces Britain to some of its least intelligent members of society through shows like Big Brother, Towie and X-Factor.
These shows are a complete waste of time and the people who gain celebrity status on the back of them get no respect whatsoever from me.
TRP verdict: The Only Way is…switching over. You’re in!
3. Johnny Depp
Don’t get me wrong Johnny Depp has made some great movies and played a wide variety of roles, some of which I have really enjoyed.
But there is one thing that really annoys me about him – my wife thinks he is gorgeous! And if a man’s wife loves another, even in fantasy land, he’s gotta go!
TRP verdict: I’m afraid Edward Scissorhands fails to make the cut. You’re out!
