World Rugby has confirmed another refereeing change for this weekend’s blockbuster clash between the Springboks and All Blacks, with Nika Amashukeli now set to take charge at FNB Stadium.
The Georgian official had originally been appointed to referee last weekend’s meeting between the great rivals in Cape Town, only to withdraw through illness.
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Australian referee Angus Gardner was subsequently drafted in to replace him, forcing World Rugby into a reshuffle of its match official appointments.
In an official update issued by World Rugby, the governing body confirmed Amashukeli had “not recovered from illness” in time for the Cape Town encounter.
However, Amashukeli is now back in the middle and has been handed the whistle for Saturday’s third Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Johannesburg.
The change effectively sees Amashukeli and Gardner swap Tests. Gardner had initially been appointed to referee the September 5 encounter, with the original World Rugby appointments naming Amashukeli for Cape Town and Gardner for Johannesburg.
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Referee changed again
The latest appointment means there has been a significant shake-up to the refereeing schedule during the hugely anticipated four-Test series.
Amashukeli was due to take charge in Cape Town on August 29, with Gardner serving as one of his assistants.
But after the Georgian was ruled out, Gardner was promoted to referee and Scotland’s Sam Grove-White joined the officiating team.
World Rugby’s latest match official appointments now list the full team for Saturday as:
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referee 1: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referee 2: Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
Foul Play Review Official: Brett Cronan (Australia)
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Series level
The appointment comes with the four-Test series finely poised after the Springboks responded to their opening defeat by beating New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town.
That result levelled the series at 1-1, adding even more significance to Saturday’s showdown at FNB Stadium.
Amashukeli will therefore find himself in charge of another huge encounter between the two heavyweights as the Springboks and All Blacks battle for the upper hand before the series heads to Baltimore for its finale.
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Highest-Paid Springboks:
10. Lood de Jager (Saitama Wild Knights) – Estimated £450,000–£600,000
After overcoming a series of injury setbacks, De Jager has re-established himself as one of the world’s premier locks. His lineout expertise, experience and leadership make him a prized asset for both the Wild Knights and the Springboks.
9. Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners) – Estimated £500,000–£600,000
Libbok’s move to Japan significantly increased his earning power. The gifted fly-half remains one of rugby’s most exciting attacking talents and is among the latest Springboks to benefit from League One’s financial strength.
8. Handré Pollard (Vodacom Bulls) – Estimated £600,000–£650,000
The double Rugby World Cup-winning fly-half returned to South Africa in one of the biggest deals in the country’s professional era. While he turned down the opportunity to remain overseas, his Bulls package still ranks among the richest in the URC.
7. Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – Estimated £600,000–£750,000
A consistent performer for club and country, Kriel has become one of Japan’s most respected overseas stars. His versatility across the backline and leadership qualities have helped secure one of the league’s most valuable contracts.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – Estimated £700,000–£850,000
A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Du Toit remains one of the sport’s biggest names. His relentless work rate and world-class pedigree ensure he continues to command one of rugby’s most lucrative contracts.
