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New Zealand's Ben O'Keeffe Appointed to Referee Boks vs England in Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

Published October 18, 2023
1 years ago

New Zealand's Ben O'Keeffe has been selected as the formal arbitrator for the upcoming Rugby World Cup semi-final clash between South Africa's Springboks and England. The match will ensue in Paris this Saturday, marking O'Keeffe's first-ever Rugby World Cup semi-final.



The 34-year-old referee will not be alone on the pitch, receiving aid from three assistant referees - Andrew Brace (Ireland), Paul Williams (New Zealand), with TMO Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand). Interestingly, this will not be the first time O'Keeffe has officiated a face-off between the Springboks and England. Our records disclose a previous venture in June 2018 when the Boks triumphed over England with a 42-39 score.



SA Rugby extended its assurance, justifying the selection of match officials as merit-based. Furthermore, the extended referee crew remains eligible for consideration in the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 bronze final and the grand final itself. Prior to this, the first semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand will be managed by Australia's Angus Gardner, supported by sideline officials Nic Berry (Australia) and Karl Dickson (England), with Ben Whitehouse from Wales serving as the TMO.


However, South African-raised official, Jaco Peyper, won't participate in the high-stake fixtures due to a calf injury he obtained during the quarter-final between Wales and Argentina in Marseille.


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