Steve Borthwick made a unexpected comment about the referee after South Africa defeat
Rugby NewsTuesday, 24 October 2023 at 08:19
English hearts were crushed as Lawrence Dallaglio accused referee Ben O'Keeffe of favouring South Africa with a late penalty decision in the World Cup semi-finals.
The match tilted on the Springboks' dominant front-row replacements, Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, who earned four second-half scrum penalties against Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler.
Nevertheless, England's coach, Steve Borthwick, displayed sportsmanship in his assessment of the referee.
"I'm not going to be sitting talking about referees. I think we have a great standard of officiating at this tournament.
"I think Ben refereed well yesterday, and I think his whole team did a good job. I'll concentrate on how I can make my team stronger."
He added: "I really care deeply about English rugby and our supporters. There have been some tough times and we have work to do but you will see just how much those players care about representing their country.
"In any game like this you have to credit the opposition, who found a way to win at the end. South Africa are current world champions and world number ones for a reason.
"We thought we were going to win and came here believing we would win. The players deserve enormous credit for that.
"I think the tens of thousands of England fans watching here tonight and the millions watching at home will be very proud of their team."
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Day jobs of the 2023 Rugby World Cup referee's:
#1. Ben O'Keeffe
Age: 34
Nationality: New Zealand
Occupation: Eye Doctor
One of New Zealand's six full-time referees, O'Keeffe is also a qualified doctor specialising in ophthalmology, which deals with eye health and disease.
Ben O'Keeffe facts:
O'Keeffe became an amateur referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in 2013 having started officiating in 2008 at the age of 19
He grew up in Blenheim, New Zealand and attended Marlborough Boys' College where he was head boy in 2006.
O'Keeffe's brother, Michael O'Keeffe, represented New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics in football
Ben O'Keeffe toughest player to referee: Ma'a Nonu
O'Keeffe said: "I think like Ma’a Nonu, yeah he was pretty tough. I’ve noticed over the last few years that players are just a lot bigger, a lot faster and a lot stronger.
"I trained with the Highlanders pre-season one year and you get a real appreciation of how big, fit and hard they hit. That just remind me why I just I love refereeing – so I don’t have to take those big hits."
#2. Wayne Barnes
Referee, Wayne Barnes during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 29 Jan. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Age: 43
Nationality: English
Occupation: Barrister
The 41-year-old is an English international rugby union referee and barrister. It was law he studied at university and a career as a barrister he pursued after graduating, but as he started to progress up the ranks as a referee the RFU offered to employ him in 2005. He’s now refereed more Premiership games than any other official.
Wayne Barnes facts:
- When not on the pitch or working with the England team, Barnes is a practising barrister
- Barnes started playing rugby at the age of eight, and took up refereeing aged 15 with Gloucester & District Referees
- He also has two young children, Juno and Beau with wife Polly.
Wayne Barnes toughest player to referee Richie McCaw
BARNES SAID: “Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”
#3. Jaco Peyper
Referee, Jaco Peyper watches the TMO for a potential shoulder charge during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Age: 42
Nationality: South African
Occupation: Lawyer
The 38-year-old still operates as an attorney for his family business, Peyper Attorneys while continuing to be one of the worlds best referees.
#4. Andrew Brace
Age: 34
Nationality: Irish/Welsh
Occupation: Musician
He is a grade eight violinist. His violin teacher was the mother of TV presenter Gethin Jones.
Andrew Brace toughest player to referee: Marcel Coetzee
Brace said: “ I think one of the toughest players I’ve refereed would be Marcel Coetzee. He’s such a physical player who never takes a backward step.”
#5. Nigel Owens
Age: 51
Nationality: Welsh
Occupation: Farmer
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field.
Over the years, Owens has been able to save up to buy his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they've built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
Nigel Owens facts:
Owens was born and raised in the village of Mynyddcerrig, near Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire
In May 2007, Owens publicly came out as gay in an interview with Wales on Sunday
His long-term partner is Barrie Jones-Davies, a primary school teacher from Llandovery
Owens started refereeing in 1987, after his sports teacher John Beynon suggested he take up refereeing after a school game
His first game was an under-15s match between Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire at the age of 16
Nigel Owens toughest player to referee: Austin Healey
OWENS SAID: “Definitely. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”
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