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World Rugby announce referees for World Cup semi-finals and South Africans won't be happy

21 Oct 2019

Referee Jerome Garces gestures during the World Cup Pool B game between New Zealand and South Africa in Yokohama (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

World Rugby has announced the match officials for the Rugby World Cup 2019 semi-finals at International Stadium Yokohama this weekend.

Nigel Owens (Wales) will take charge of England versus New Zealand on Saturday with Romain Poite and Pascal Gaüzère (both France) as assistant referees and Marius Jonker (South Africa) as TMO.

Jérôme Garcès (France), pictured, will referee Wales versus South Africa on Sunday with Wayne Barnes (England) and Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) as assistant referees and Ben Skeen (New Zealand) as TMO.

The selection is based on merit after a review of performances by World Rugby’s match officials selection committee.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “I would like to congratulate Nigel and Jérôme, the assistant referees and TMOs on their selection for the semi-finals.

“These are the best of the best, supported by a superb team, and we now look forward to compelling semi-finals at International Stadium Yokohama over the weekend.”

Meanwhile, World Rugby can confirm that the match officials selection committee did not consider Jaco Peyper for selection this weekend.

Peyper recognises that a picture of him with Wales fans, which appeared on social media after the Wales versus France quarter-final, was inappropriate and he has apologised.

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It is going to be interesting seeing some of Razor’s selections this year, wing included. Telea has gone, Clarke has not had a great year, Sevu goes missing in the big tests, Jordan will play 15. Narawa, Carter, Tavatavanawai have all put their hands up with great SR form.

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All absolutely fair.

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