All Blacks v South Africa: Baltimore test stopped for nearly nine minutes by comms failure
A rugby test match between the All Blacks and South Africa in Baltimore was delayed for nearly nine minutes due to a communication failure between the referee and the TMO. The teams eventually agreed to continue play without the TMO's assistance.
Why it matters
The technical failure highlights the reliance of modern professional sports on complex communication infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining game integrity during equipment malfunctions.
Communication issues stopped the final test of the All Blacks’ tour against South Africa for nearly nine minutes in Baltimore.
Following a missed shot at goal from South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, referee Karl Dickson stopped the game as he lost communication with the television match official (TMO).
These problems were prevalent throughout the early stages of the match, with fans watching the game unable to hear the referee or his whistle.
The lack of communication stopped the match for eight minutes and 53 seconds midway through the first half, with the officials unable to establish any contact throughout the stoppage.
The players broke into their huddles while the broadcast cut to people in the crowd dancing to Neil Diamond.
Highlights of the tries were shown twice to fill the time, while the commentators did their best to fill the air.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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