The world’s most experienced referee, Jonathan Kaplan, has been awarded the Vodacom Super 14 opener between the Bulls and the Cheetahs on February 11.
Kaplan, who refereed the Absa Currie Cup final between the same two teams in October, will again be in the middle for the humdinger to open the local part of the Southern Hemisphere competition.
While the Bulls and Cheetahs will be under a familiar watchful eye, the Sharks will have a totally new referee to deal with when they take on the Chiefs in Durban on February 12.
Young New Zealand referee Keith Brown, who joined his country’s national refereeing panel in 2008, will have his first crack at the Southern Hemisphere competition in the Durban heat, and is highly regarded as one of the rising stars in Kiwi refereeing circles.
But Kaplan, who was criticised by Cheetahs fans for his handling of the Currie Cup final will have the whistle again for the Bloemfontein humdinger.
The other appointments for the first round of the Super 14 see former New Zealander Steve Walsh return to Super 14 action as an Australian refereeing appointment. Walsh will take charge of the Force v Brumbies game in round one.
Australian referee Matt Goddard and New Zealand’s Bryce Lawrence aren’t included in the first round of appointments, but another of South Africa’s top referees, Mark Lawrence has been handed the other local derby when the Stormers travel to Ellis Park to take on the Lions.
Craig Joubert will be the only South African referee on overseas duty in the first round, and has drawn the Reds v Waratahs game for his troubles. Stuart Dickinson will take charge of the Blues v Hurricanes game, while New Zealander Chris Pollock will referee the New Zealand derby between the Crusaders and the Highlanders.
Round one appointments.
Blues v Hurricanes – Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Force v Brumbies – Steve Walsh (Australia)
Cheetahs v Bulls – Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Crusaders v Highlanders – Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Reds v Waratahs – Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Lions v Stormers – Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Sharks v Chiefs – Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Ai. Al weer Mark Lawrence!!
Hoekom kry hulle nie eerder vir Pro Legoeto om die Stormers game te blaas nie?
Wonder of Kaplan gaan voel hy skuld die Cheetahs iets. One for you one for me maybe.
@3
Goeie vraag…
Stormers:
Assistant coach Robbie Fleck confirmed last week that Peter Grant will be the first choice inside centre alongside Jaque Fourie this season with impressive young Springbok Juan de Jongh having to fight for a place in the starting line-up.
Grant, utility back Joe Pietersen and new signing Lionel Cronje will form back-up for flyhalf Willem de Waal who is set to return from a neck injury.
Look at the reaction.
By Gareth Rosslee –
I know. I was shocked to see Fleckie’s remarks in the paper last week. Firstly because I think de Jongh is one of the most dynamic backs around and secondly because I think it sends a poor message to back one player over another before the start of the season.
Grant starting the season at 12 is fine, but he needs to perform of make way in my opionion – and that should be the message to all the players. The Stormers don’t usually operate like that though.
| Parent
By bullinwp
‘ Die WP se nuutste Springbok-senter Juan de Jongh is ‘n voorbeeld van die jong talent wat opgelewer word’
Rob Wagner (MD) in Die Burger this morning.
Ek dink Fleckie het ALWEER sy mond verby gepraat.
| Parent
By Stormer10
Absolutely disgraceful… JDJ looked a good bet to replace JDV for the Boks. And now this…
Peter Grant has consistently underperformed below his ability. A good player who has what it takes to be a Bok… except for mental application. Hope he proves me wrong.
Also, how must that ffect a player’s morale knowing a month in advance you are regarded as a second choice. I just hope we don’t have one of those Boytjie-clubs a la Smith, Boucher, Harris and co. developing at the Stormers.
Another season of useless Kiwi and Aussie refs.
KP@1
Well Lawrence doesn’t exactly favour the Lions ever, so maybe it’ll be a fair contest.
As for Legoeto, I don’t even want him near my club’s U20 B side.
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