Rugby 'too complex' for one referee to handle

Walsh has called on the International Rugby Board to learn from other sports and be more open to the idea of using two referees.

"I do think the game is too complex for one guy to be able to adjudicate and get right as much as what people's expectations are, really," Walsh told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I just think that it is the complexity of the laws at the breakdown, really. The most challenging facet of a game] is the mental fatigue.

"We are all out there in a battle of wills with the players. They are trying to get up on the opposition and us."

Walsh was heavily criticised for his performance in NSW Waratahs' Super 14 victory over the ACT Brumbies two weekends ago and concedes he made mistakes in that game.

But the controversial whistle-blower, who, in the 2003 Rugby World Cup was suspended for three days for inappropriate behaviour towards the England rugby team after an altercation with England fitness coach Dave Reddin, and was stood down from the Brumbies' game against the Queensland Reds last week, believes errors would be limited with the introduction of a second referee.

"The split-second judgment that you hope as a world-class referee... you want to get that decision right all the time, but there are times where you just miss it," said Walsh.

Australian domestic rugby league introduced second referees in 2009 and former England coach Tony Smith wants the Super League to follow suit.

Sports like basketball and American Football use teams of officials to ensure every angle is covered, while football's authorities have been experimenting with additional goal-line officials in this year's Europa League to give referees additional support.

The IRB has trialled using two on-field referees and Walsh has spoken informally about the idea to IRB referees' chief Paddy O'Brien, but believes there is no support for it in the game.

Part of the problem cited by the governing body is the difficulty of ensuring a consistent interpretation in key areas like the breakdown.

"Look at the rest of the world and sports] that have been professional longer than we have – I am talking about American football and NBA," said Walsh.

"They all have more officials. The same officials work together as a team week-in, week-out. They have found that's the best way to deliver a better result from the refereeing side. There is no will for that in rugby.

"But I am convinced, 20 years or so down the track, that is something that will happen."