referees for the quarters confirmed.

NZ v Arg = Owens (assistants: Kaplan & Clancy)
SA v Aus = Lawrence (assistants: Pearson & Poite)
Fra v Eng = Walsh (assistants: Rolland & Clancy)
Wal v Ire = Joubert (assistants: Barnes & Poite)

OBrien's comments where:

“Our focus has been firmly on consistency, penalising the clear and obvious and tackling the ‘big five’ areas. The extensive performance review of all 40 matches included coach, match official and performance reviewer feedback and we are very happy with the way that the group has worked together to collectively achieve the goals set.”

“Accuracy in decision making is our top priority. We will continue to work as a unit to achieve the high standards that have collectively been set and maintain a zero-tolerance attitude towards infringements across the key areas of the Game. In that regard, I would also like to thank the coaches for their buy-in to the process during this Tournament.”

Here's a link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/5725596/Ref-Wayne-Barnes-misses-out-on-quarterfinal

Any thoughts:

Interesting that Owens is seen to be the only NH referee up to standard. I guess the IRB standing behind their man, so to speak.

I would think having neutral referees limits who can officiate which matches ghost.

I'm wondering if the assistant refs are eligible to ref the semis, final and 3/4 playoffs.

Anyway, I'm sure all the english fans will be happy to see Steve Walsh is the ref for their game against France.

Just glad that Barnes or Rolland are not reffing the Wales game.

Barnes is a linesman though so I am sure he will try his best to screw us over where he can.

Shame I was looking forward to Oz/SA....

Would have thought rolland was yhe obvious candidate for eng v fra being one of the few french speaking refs....my sympayhies to all english and french fans who will have to endure walsh....hope he doesnt c0ck it up!

Ghosty you must be celebrating-your mate's been demoted to touchy.

I actually thought he was having a decent world cup to be honest. Still not a lot of pressure on him yet. He generally chokes in the quaterfinals from memory.

doctornickolas wrote:Just glad that Barnes or Rolland are not reffing the Wales game.

Barnes is a linesman though so I am sure he will try his best to screw us over where he can.

Rolland would never have been selected for a match involving Ireland.

TheGreyGhost wrote:I actually thought he was having a decent world cup to be honest. Still not a lot of pressure on him yet. He generally chokes in the quaterfinals from memory.

Dont worry he can still call forward passes as a touch judge. If he misses one itll no doubt be down to a bout of food poisoning.

I really really hope Owens doesn't get to ref the final, because it might mean we will be playing in it.

If we don't make it I reckon he will be the ref.