Ref of the Tournament

Well deserved. For me the best in thw world and has been for a good while even when owens was still acticve. What I don't understand is where on earth Pearce is.

Bbc
England's Wayne Barnes will referee the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on Saturday.

Barnes, 44, will become the second Englishman to officiate a final after Ed Morrison who took charge in 1995.

Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley will be assistant referees, with Tom Foley named television match official.

It is the first time in Rugby World Cup history that all the officials have been appointed from one union.

"It speaks volumes for the quality of English officials and this group who work so brilliantly alongside one another," Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney said.

"All of our officials who have played a part in this tournament can be very proud of the contribution they have made to its success, and we look forward to congratulating them in person on their return home."

Barnes, who has taken charge of a record 110 Tests and is at his fifth World Cup, officiated New Zealand's victory over Ireland in the quarter-finals but did not referee either of the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Australia's Nic Berry will be the referee for the third-place play-off between England and Argentina on Friday.

I was going to suggest Ben O'Keefe, but that would ruffle some feather.

But I agree Barnes has been the best for a number of years

I thought O'Keefe had a good tournament too. There's always vitriol when a team goes out...the charge down absolutely spot on for me despite what wr then adjudged. Last week fine to good.

How much did he pay O'Keeffe?

broadlandboy wrote:How much did he pay O'Keeffe?

You gotta be more specific, who's he?

I'm guessing he meant Wayne Barnes so he could get the gig for the final?

Who do we reckon would have refereed the final if England had held on?

Raynal most probably? Or would they have entrusted O'Keeffe for another big game? Perhaps Peyper if he were fit?

I'm pleased Barnes has got the final, but I suppose this will be his last game, which is unfortunate.

Obviously not O'Keeffe!

Heaf wrote:I'm guessing he meant Wayne Barnes so he could get the gig for the final?