Rugby World Cup: despite criticism, the France-South Africa referee will direct the Boks half

2023-10-17 13:16:16

We imagine the South Africans satisfied. New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe, already on the whistle during the France – South Africa quarter-final lost by the Blues on Sunday at the Stade de France, will meet the Springboks on Saturday at the same place. Ben O’Keeffe has just been appointed referee for this semi-final by World Rugby, the international federation.

The arbitration of Ben O’Keeffe sparked controversy after the defeat of the XV of France (29-28), the captain of the Blues Antoine Dupont not judging him “not up to the level”. The decisions to validate Chelsin Kolbe’s counter on Thomas Ramos, or certain decisions in the rucks, were criticized by many French supporters.

“This designation is based on selection on merit,” World Rugby said. Frenchman Joël Jutge, referee manager for World Rugby, sent his congratulations to the selected officials. A sign that the New Zealander’s performance in the quarter-final is not subject to doubt for World Rugby.

3rd arbitration for South Africans in this World Cup

Ben O’Keeffe will therefore referee a 5th match in this World Cup, after, in particular, the two big shocks played by South Africa, in the group against Ireland and therefore in the quarter-final against France.

And he could referee a 6th, since “all the selected referees should remain in the running to referee the match for third place and the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup”, specifies World Rugby. But New Zealand would have to not be there, of course.

For the other semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand, Friday October 20 (9 p.m.) at the Stade de France, the Australian Angus Gardner was appointed referee.