All Blacks vs Springboks referee changed AGAIN ahead of third Test

Wednesday, 02 September 2026 at 11:05

bySteven Smith

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.

5. Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – Estimated £770,000

The most-capped Springbok in history remains the cornerstone of the Sharks pack. His combination of club earnings and national support keeps him among the highest-paid players in South African rugby.

4. Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – Estimated £775,000

The Springbok captain returned to Durban on a bumper deal after his spell in France. Combined with his immense commercial value and sponsorship appeal, Kolisi remains one of the biggest earners in the global game.

3. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – Estimated £800,000–£900,000

Widely regarded as the best hooker in world rugby, Marx continues to be one of Japan Rugby League One's marquee signings. His dominance at the set-piece and breakdown has made him one of the highest-paid forwards in the sport.

2. Damian de Allende (Saitama Wild Knights) – Estimated £850,000–£950,000

The powerful centre has been a standout performer in Japan for several seasons. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and one of the world's most complete midfielders, De Allende is believed to be among the competition's top earners.

1. Faf de Klerk (Free State Cheetahs) – Previously reported at around £900,000 in Japan

Before returning to South Africa in 2026, De Klerk was widely regarded as one of the highest-paid players in world rugby thanks to his lucrative deal with Yokohama Canon Eagles. While his move back to the Cheetahs is believed to have involved a significant pay cut, his previous contract remains one of the richest ever awarded to a Springbok.

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