TMOs need vast improvements
Kaplan's comments came on episode nine of the #LateTackle show.
"It's probably the most contentious space at the moment. My understanding of this role is that it is absolutely necessary because we are in an era where money talks. It's here to stay, whether we like it or not.
"But at the moment I feel it needs vast improvements. First of all, I don't think they have the right personnel in place. A lot of these referees are not actually referees that have been in the middle in major Test matches.
"We had something blow up in the England-Wales game [Round Two of the Six Nations]. It's not the first time and it's going to keep happening over and over again. I don't think it is because he [the TMO] hasn't refereed at the highest level, I think he made an error that perhaps changed the shape of the game.
"There has been a massive debate in choosing these blokes to cut costs and not allowing those people to make the decisions. They are in front of the box but are getting guided by the referee on the field. Whilst I feel that has merit, that has caused the most mistakes you have ever seen," Kaplan said.
Asked about a potential solution to eradicate these major errors from happening, Kaplan suggested bringing back retired referees.
"I would like to see ex-referees, okes that have been at the top and they can't stick to the fitness protocols but are very good at decision making, put them in the box," he stated.
Watch Kaplan share his concern and open up about other issues here – Late Tackle: Kaplan weighs in on TMOs
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