Peyper backs officials to handle pressure in South Africa v New Zealand rivalry

South Africa referee adviser Jaco Peyper says the officials appointed for the “Greatest Rivalry” series between the Springboks and the All Blacks are the best possible choices to manage four Tests expected to come under intense scrutiny.

The series begins at Ellis Park on Saturday, with England’s Matthew Carley taking charge of the opening match in Johannesburg. Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli and Australia’s Angus Gardner will referee the second and third Tests, while England’s Karl Dickson has been appointed for the fourth meeting in Baltimore, USA.

The first three Tests will be played on 22 and 29 August and 5 September, before the final match on 12 September.

Peyper believes the four referees have the experience and personality required to withstand the pressure surrounding one of international rugby’s biggest rivalries. That pressure is likely to be particularly evident at the breakdown, where the All Blacks have suggested South Africa may attempt to slow the ball down.

The Springboks responded to those claims earlier this week by insisting that their approach remains within World Rugby’s laws.

Speaking to reporters on Monday during the build-up to the opening Test, Peyper said the appointments had been made after careful consideration of the referees’ performances over the previous year.

“These three referees for the series were appointed based on experience and what they’ve done in the last 12 months,” Peyper noted.

“They are incredibly strong characters, and won’t be pushed around.

“They get annoyed when teams try to tell them how to referee because they’ve earned the right to be here and they know the game.”

Peyper also offered a detailed assessment of Carley, who will oversee the first Test at Ellis Park.

“What you know with Matthew (Carley) is you’re going to have a firm referee. Someone who deals decisively at the breakdown and is very strong on anything negative or cynical. And he does not get influenced by the home crowd.”

The comments come as attention focuses on how the breakdown contests will be refereed throughout the series. Both sides are aware that decisions around slowing possession, negative play and cynical actions could have a significant influence on the matches.

Peyper’s confidence in the appointments reflects his belief that the officials will enforce the laws firmly rather than be swayed by the reputations of the teams, the occasion or the atmosphere inside the stadiums.

Carley will begin the series with the first opportunity to set the standard for the contests between the Springboks and All Blacks. Amashukeli and Gardner will then referee the following two Tests before Dickson takes charge of the final match in Baltimore.

Kick-off for Saturday’s match in Johannesburg is scheduled for 17:10. The Springboks and All Blacks coaches are both due to name their teams on Thursday.