Refs boss rubbishes Bok accusations

International referees boss Paddy O'Brien has defended the Tri-Nations officials in the wake of Peter de Villiers' accusations of bias.

International referees boss Paddy O'Brien has defended the Tri-Nations officials in the wake of Springbok coach Peter de Villiers' accusations of bias.

De Villiers suggested that his sides' two defeats in New Zealand were linked to poor refereeing decisions aimed at generating support for the All Blacks ahead of next year's World Cup.

But O'Brien said both Irish referees, Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland, had received favourable assessments for their work in Auckland and Wellington.

“As far as the Tri-Nations is concerned, people have to agree the product is better than this time last year and we are pleased with both referees in both games,” O'Brien told the New Zealand Herald

“Like everyone, they have areas to work on in their games but overall we have been very pleased with their attitude and delivery of performance.

With the South Africa Rugby Union instructing its legal representative, Judge Lex Mpati, to take the matter up with Sanzar, O'Brien said his was confident that Nigel Owens, Rolland and Wayne Barnes – who will referee the Tri-Nations Tests in South Africa -will not be affected by the furore.

“The referees who do the Tri-Nations are our top referees, they have all been round the block. It is only natural that a team losing is not going to be happy so our referees have to get above that and we believe they do,” said O'Brien.

South Africa's referees boss Andre Watson added his own diplomatic five cents worth.

“I looked at the ref, and he made some brilliant decisions and some not-so-good decisions,” said Watson.