Wednesday 30 December 2015 20:13, UK
Nigel Owens told Sky Sports the TMO is occasionally overused, but patience is required in getting big decisions right.
The Welsh referee took charge of the World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia in October, in a tournament in which several officials came under scrutiny for constantly referring decisions to the video referee.
Though Owens says there are times when the television match official is called upon too often, the need for correct decisions is too important
"I think at times we are overusing the TMO," Owens told Sky Sports. "It's being overused and it takes away from the game.
"We need to get that balance right. We need to be better as referees at using it, but we also need to make sure that when we do put the protocol in place with the technology to be used, that we do get that better as well.
"Because you don't want it overused, but you also have to appreciate that if you want the big decisions right now, you need the technology to be there."
Owens' World Cup final appointment came as a reward for his consistent performances
"There's no greater achievement really than being acknowledged as the best referee in the world I guess, and refereeing the biggest game in world rugby.
"Not only was it a proud moment for me, but it's a big thank you as well to everybody.
"There's too many people for me to name, but the people who have helped me over the years in achieving that goal, in getting me to the World Cup and giving me the help and advice on and off the field."
Due to a shortage in young referees, the Welsh Rugby Union is offering free refereeing courses to school and college students, something Owens has taken part in running.
"If I can look back in a few years' time and not only have the achievement of refereeing a world cup final, but also knowing that a lot of young people now have taken up the whistle to become referees, then nothing makes me prouder than that really."
