Lawrence to ref Super Rugby final
SANZAR has confirmed the three referees who will control matches in the Super Rugby semi-finals and finals over the next three weekends.
SANZAR has confirmed the three referees who will control matches in the Super Rugby semi-finals and finals over the next three weekends.
New Zealander Bryce Lawrence will officiate the final, after the selectors determined that he had been the best performing referee throughout the competition.
South Africa's Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert each handed a semi-final.
Kaplan is set to referee the Reds' home tie in Brisbane and Joubert due to take the whistle for the Stormers' semi-final in Cape Town.
SANZAR Game Manager, Lyndon Bray, said he was satisfied that the processes applied in 2011 had culminated in these three referees being selected for the Super Rugby finals series.
“After completing our ratings of the 16-strong SANZAR referees squad we canvassed the 15 team coaches for their inputs,” said Bray.
“It was really pleasing that our selections were confirmed by the feedback received from the coaches.
“We took into consideration the form of each referee throughout the 21 weeks of competition, and then considered the best 'fit' for the finals series.
“We have decided to use those considered as our four best, determining that the referee who controls the Final should also referee a qualifier to prevent him from having three successive weeks on the sidelines.”
As part of SANZAR's detailed review and evaluation process, all team coaches were invited to rate their 'top five' referees in the competition. These results were collated and taken into consideration when the finals series appointments were made.
“You like to think that by the time you get to the Finals, the decisions largely take care of themselves,” said Bray.
“The very comprehensive review process we follow each week, helps us to make our decisions logically and with a real confidence.
“However, there are always going to be referees who can consider themselves unlucky when it comes to selection.
“In terms of the four selected, I am delighted for each of them, as they have all worked incredibly hard to deliver the best possible outcomes for the teams and the game in this competition.”
Super Rugby semi-final appointments:
(Both semi-finals to held on Saturday, 2 July)
Reds v Tbc
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19:40 (09:40 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (SA)
Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Aus), James Leckie (Aus)
TMO: George Ayoub (Aus)
Stormers vs Tbc
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17:05 (15:05 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (SA)
Assistant referees: Marius Jonker (SA), Stefan Breytenbach (SA)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (SA)