Peyper on Greatest Rivalry refs: Springboks-All Blacks in best hands possible
by Craig Taylor · KickOffSpringboks referee adviser Jaco Peyper believes that the Greatest Rivalry series between South Africa and the All Blacks is in the best hands possible when it comes to officiating.
And they will need to be.
The referees will no doubt be put under pressure throughout the series, with the All Blacks quick to note that they feel the Springboks will slow the ball down, and the South Africa hitting back at those claims earlier this week, saying they operate within World Rugby laws.
Matthew Carley (England), Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) and Angus Gardner (Australia) will referee the first three Tests of the series, which take place on 22 and 29 August and 5 September.
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Karl Dickson (England) will then take charge of the fourth Test in Baltimore, USA, on 12 September.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, as part of the build-up to the first Test, Peyper said the four officials are the perfect appointments for the series and are strong individuals who will control the games.
“These three referees for the series were appointed based on experience and what they've done in the last 12 months,” Peyper noted.
“They are incredibly strong characters, and won't be pushed around.
“They get annoyed when teams try to tell them how to referee because they've earned the right to be here and they know the game.”
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Peyper gave more insight into Carley, who takes the whistle for the first Test match at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“What you know with Matthew (Carley) is you're going to have a firm referee. Someone who deals decisively at the breakdown and is very strong on anything negative or cynical. And he does not get influenced by the home crowd.”
Kick-off in Johannesburg on Saturday is at 17:10, with both coaches set to name their sides on Thursday.