Tournament organisers at the Rugby World Cup have defended the television match official (TMO) system but are eager to reduce delays caused by it.

The length of time taken for decisions to be made in the early games of the competition via the TMO has led to criticism.

England's clash with Fiji in the opening match featured over 10 minutes of stoppages due to decisions referred to the TMO. 

That led to claims from former England international Brian Moore that the TMO could "ruin games".

In a statement World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee John Jeffrey said: "The TMO is a part of the match official team and the fantastic technology available is a tool to be used in the making of key decisions during matches.

"The TMO process is used to make sure the correct calls are made to protect the integrity of the game.
 
"It's worth noting that just 28 per cent of stoppage time in the opening match of this Rugby World Cup was taken up by the TMO process but we are committed to reducing that time further while not compromising on accuracy.

"As such, all involved - referees, TMOs, technicians and television producers - are working together to achieve that."