World Rugby has confirmed the referees for the upcoming Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Ben O’Keeffe from New Zealand will officiate the semi-final between England and defending champions South Africa on Saturday. Angus Gardner from Australia will take charge of the other semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand, scheduled for Friday.
O’Keeffe faced criticism for his refereeing performance in South Africa’s quarter-final against France, with France captain Antoine Dupont expressing dissatisfaction with some of the decisions made during the match. Nevertheless, he has been appointed to oversee the England vs. South Africa clash.
Gardner, who hails from Australia, will be responsible for the Argentina vs. New Zealand semi-final. Both O’Keeffe and Gardner are officiating their first World Cup semi-finals. Notably, South African referee Jaco Peyper was unavailable for consideration due to an injury sustained during the quarter-final match between Argentina and Wales.
