Referee Nika Amashukeli replaced for second Springboks vs All Blacks Test
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Replaced.
There has been a major late change to the officiating team for Saturday’s second Test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Cape Town, with Nika Amashukeli replaced as referee.
World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that the Georgian official has not recovered from illness and will no longer take charge of the clash at DHL Stadium.
Australian referee Angus Gardner has instead been promoted to the middle for the second Test.
World Rugby confirmed:
“Angus Gardner will now referee this weekend’s test between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town as Nika Amashukeli has not recovered from illness.”
Gardner had originally been appointed as one of Amashukeli’s assistant referees in Cape Town, with Scotland’s Sam Grove-White now drafted in to replace the Australian on the touchline.
England’s Karl Dickson remains the other assistant referee, while Brett Cronan of Australia will serve as TMO and France’s Eric Gauzins as Foul Play Review Officer.
The change is particularly notable given the discussion surrounding referees ahead of Saturday’s Test.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed earlier this week that he had opted against a pre-match referee meeting under World Rugby’s current protocol, which requires both opposing head coaches to be present.
Erasmus had been due to deal with Amashukeli in Cape Town, but Gardner will now take charge of a Test South Africa must win if they are to keep alive their hopes of winning the four-match series outright.
The change does not mean Amashukeli will play no further part in the series.
World Rugby has confirmed that Amashukeli is now scheduled to referee the third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 5, which Gardner had originally been appointed to control.
Gardner will instead serve as one of Amashukeli’s assistant referees for that encounter alongside Christophe Ridley.
The revised officiating team for Saturday’s second Test is:
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
Foul Play Review Officer: Eric Gauzins (France)
New Zealand head to Cape Town with a 1-0 advantage after their 33-16 victory at Ellis Park, with the Springboks looking to level the series before the rivalry returns to Johannesburg for Test Three.
