World Rugby have officially confirmed the referees for this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after a full review of the officials performances over the 37 pool stage matches.
It has been decided that Jerome Garces (France), Nigel Owens (Wales), Jaco Peyper (South Africa) and Wayne Barnes (England) will be the men in the middle for each of the four matches.
World Rugby have admitted that they tried to get a blend of experience and younger refereeing talent when making the decision and believe that these four deserve the chance to officiate such high-profile games.
“Every team takes time to settle at a major event and I am delighted with how this group of exceptional match officials have responded across the pool stage. They are the best of the best and have played their full part in what will be remembered as an incredible pool stage. I would like to congratulate Jérôme, Nigel, Jaco and Wayne, the assistant referees and TMOs and we now look forward to four compelling matches on the road to determining who will lift the Webb Ellis Cup on 2 November,” said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont on the selections.
Saturday’s opening game between England and Australia will see Garces take control with Owens taking charge of Ireland’s big clash against current back to back World Cup holders New Zealand later that day.
While on Sunday Peyper will referee Wales and France’s last eight fixture in what will see him hit a personal milestone of 50 international tests, with Barnes in action later as hosts Japan look to cause another upset against South Africa.
The match officials were heavily criticised over the opening weekend of the tournament and there are some that are still unhappy with the lack of consistency in on-field decisions. However, with World Rugby believing these four men are the best of the bunch fans will hope that they will be talking about the rugby rather than the refereeing come the end of the weekend.
