Excitement is in the air as the Springboks gear up for their 2024 Rugby Championship campaign, where they will be officiated by a variety of referees across their six matches.
According to a report from The South African, this decision has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
A Strong Start Against Australia
The reigning world champions kicked off their tournament with an impressive 33-7 victory over Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The match was overseen by English referee Luke Pearce, who handled the contest adeptly.
Another Win in Perth
Just a week later, the Springboks met the Wallabies again, this time at Optus Stadium in Perth, with New Zealand’s Paul Williams officiating.
The Springboks continued their winning streak, emerging victorious with a score of 30-12.
Thrilling Comeback Against New Zealand
In a highly anticipated clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 31, Ireland’s Andrew Brace took charge.
The match was a nail-biter, with the Springboks pulling off a thrilling comeback to win 31-27.
Close Encounter in Cape Town
The Springboks faced New Zealand again on September 7, this time in Cape Town, with English referee Matt Carley in the middle.
South Africa secured another victory, triumphing 18-12 in a closely contested match.
A Narrow Defeat to Argentina
The Springboks faced a challenging match against Argentina in Santiago, which ended in a narrow 29-28 defeat.
This match was officiated by England’s Christophe Ridley, adding to the competitive spirit of the tournament.
Upcoming Match with O’Keeffe
Looking ahead, Ben O’Keeffe from New Zealand will officiate the Springboks’ final match against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on September 28.
He will be supported by James Doleman and Craig Evans, with Glenn Newman serving as the TMO.
South Africa has historically performed well under O’Keeffe’s officiating, having won eight out of the eleven matches he has overseen.
Referee Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the referees for the Springboks’ matches:
- Australia vs. South Africa (Brisbane)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England) - Australia vs. South Africa (Perth)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) - South Africa vs. New Zealand (Johannesburg)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland) - South Africa vs. New Zealand (Cape Town)
Referee: Matt Carley (England) - Argentina vs. South Africa (Santiago)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England) - South Africa vs. Argentina (Nelspruit)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
No South African Referees
A notable aspect of this year’s Rugby Championship is the absence of South African referees.
World Rugby’s announcement highlighted that the twelve matches will feature officials from various countries, including four from England and three from New Zealand.
Unfortunately, South African referees were not appointed as assistants either, with only Marius Jonker assigned as TMO for two matches.
Initial Springbok Squad for the Championship
The Springboks have named a strong squad for the Rugby Championship.
Here’s a quick look at the forwards and backs:
Forwards:
- Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)
- Thomas du Toit (Bath)
- Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls)
- Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Siya Kolisi (captain – Racing 92)
- Elrigh Louw (Bulls)
- Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
- Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
- Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
- Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Ruan Nortje (Bulls)
- Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs)
- RG Snyman (Leinster)
- Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls)
- Marco van Staden (Bulls)
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls)
Backs:
- Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls)
- Damian de Allende (Wild Knights)
- Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)
- Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath)
- Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
- Willie le Roux (Bulls)
- Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
- Manie Libbok (Stormers)
- Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
- Cobus Reinach (Montpellier)
- Morne van den Berg (Lions)
- Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
What’s Next?
As the Springboks prepare for their upcoming matches, fans eagerly await to see how the team will perform under the guidance of their referees.
The competition is heating up, and the anticipation for each game is palpable.
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