Rising Australian official Angus Gardner has been handed the plum appointment of refereeing the Super Rugby final.
Gardener’s performances through the season and his communication skills have earned widespread praise from players and head coaches, with the latter having input into referee selections for the finals series.
The 33-year-old official made his debut at Super Rugby level in 2012 and has controlled 60 matches – 13 of them this year.
Gardner handled his first Test in 2016 and has been appointed to control 13 internationals.
The other match officials for the Super final on Saturday, August 4 will be announced next week after the completion of the semi-finals.
NSW Waratahs, Australia’s remaining representatives, play South Africa’s Lions in Johannesburg while defending champions the Crusaders host domestic rivals the Hurricanes, in an all-New Zealand contest in Christchurch earlier on Saturday.
Jacko
Guest
Yes thats great if a TJ type can correct him but if their is no TJ type in the 2 teams then Gus gets it wrong and no one corrects him....Refs should know the rules...surely!!!!!
soapit
Guest
yet the appearance of impartiality was always there which and minimised the controversy (that and there being decisions both ways) kind of shows its a good idea
soapit
Guest
i do worry a bit about these guys that favour their own judgement highly that it will significantly depart from the rules at some important time. we still need as much consistency of application as possible
Bing
Guest
I agree. Even though IMO Gardner is the best ref going around you have to have neutral referees. All this grinding of teeth could all be for nothing if the Tahs lose tonight anyway.
taylorman
Roar Guru
How could he be fair when he would be subconsciously biased? According to experts on this site if he aint neutral, he aint fare. Or is Gardner somehow immune to his subconscious behaviour?
Connor33
Guest
That said, I think he is a good referee. I thought he handled the whole Beale - Squire push off with a good dose of common sense: no penalty. And I think technically he was right on B Barrett’s fall from lofty heights, despite being hung out to dry. Regardless, I think he would be fair. But it’s more the perception than the reality. In any event, even if the Tah and Hurricanes win, I don’t know if Sydney has a stadium as they are all booked out that night—perhaps NZ by default. Tahs get the tickets sales right...ok 50-50 since the Canes we’re higher on the table...to be honest I think both teams could put 50 points on each other in the final, which could make for a cracking game.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Congrats to Angus Gardiner, a great thrill for him, I think he has developed into a quality ref. However why the need to announce now ? Obviously SANZAR don’t give the Tahs a snowflakes chance in hell !! At any rate well done Gardiner.
Fionn
Guest
I've seen a lot of refs get calls wrong. Gus is big enough to admit when it's the case though, and he's normally right. I think it's pretty evident he has been the best referee this year except for maybe Rasta Rasivhenge, who I also think has been really good.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
For a number of years now the kiwi game plan has been to play the ref out of the result. So if we get Gardner, we (Canes or Saders, but really the Saders...) will just have to score more than Gardner can be biased for... although I'm sure the go-fund-me will have gotten enough cash and our cheque will have cleared into his account, so no issue regardless. The kiwispiracy marches on...
piru
Roar Rookie
Ahh yes, all part of the Kiwi conspiracy to have an Aussie ref in the final
Reverse Wheel
Guest
This isn't true. The RWC final has a neutral ref, as does just about every other international sport. It seems about the only ones who don't think it's a good idea are sanzaar and a small cohort of kiwis on the roar.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Doesnt matter who the ref is. Like players and coaches, refs also can have good and bad days... Like sands through the hour glass...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep, been doing some work behind the scenes. Watch this space?
Jacko
Guest
No French refs please Connor...they have agreements
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep, absolutely, but SANZAAR hasnt ruled on neitral Refs yet, so until that happens, you arent going to see it this week. Thats what I dont get. Why is everyone getting up in a4ms about something that aint gonna happen. A waste of time. Bit like the Quade saga. Wasted breath.
Jacko
Guest
I see you have stolen my prop for next season Tman......He will be very good for you guys and I hear there is a few more signings coming thru soon........I hope you come second to the Chiefs next year...lol
Jacko
Guest
Arnt we the Customer tho Tman? If we get sick of these stupid SAANZAR decisions and decide not to bother watching a biased comp then SAANZAR goes down the gurgler. Fox and sky and whatever the SA pay TV is wont buy the rugby if the customer doesnt give a rats anymore and just cant be bothered following a biased comp. Its so easily avoidable that I cant help but think it has to be a deliberate FU to the fans
piru
Roar Rookie
We're comfortable the Kiwispiracy will see us right
piru
Roar Rookie
Referees do look impartial It's fans who decide they don't Almost exclusively fans whose team lost Internationals are another kettle of fish
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Orsome,making me laugh.Love Friday arvo.