The International Rugby Board said referee Wayne Barnes could have used the television match official to check Wales wrongly disallowed penalty goal against South Africa.

James Hook’s controversial kick was denied in Wales 17-16 loss to South Africa in Wellington last night.

An IRB spokesman said the referee can choose to use the TMO for any act of scoring, including penalties and drop goals, but Barnes was confident the ball went across the top of the upright.

Assistant referees George Clancy and Vinny Munro had stood motionless, flags firmly by their sides.

The Boks led 7-3 at that point and the decision was crucial and may have been the difference in the 17-16 victory to South Africa.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said he thought it was interesting at halftime when they went in the tunnel and as coaches they were saying the kick went over, Francois Steyn walked past them and said yes he thought it went over as well.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi