Springboks supporters may recognise a familiar face when South Africa face France, with referee Andrea Piardi returning to the spotlight following a controversial encounter earlier this year.
The Italian official has been appointed to oversee Friday's Nations Championship clash at the Stade de France.
However, Piardi's involvement in a chaotic Springboks defeat earlier this year has not been forgotten by some South African supporters.
Four yellow cards and a bizarre incident
Piardi was the man in the middle when Australia stunned South Africa 42-38 in Perth on 27 September.
The Wallabies had raced into a commanding 42-17 lead before the contest descended into chaos.
Four Australian players received yellow cards in the closing stages, leaving the hosts with just 11 men.
South Africa scored 21 unanswered points but could not complete an extraordinary comeback.
Things became even stranger when Piardi's communication equipment failed.
The referee was forced to use a mobile phone to contact the television match official during the closing stages.
The extraordinary scenes sparked debate among supporters, with Piardi's handling of the contest coming under scrutiny.
RUCK subsequently graded Piardi B−, recognising his management of an exceptionally difficult finish.
Fan reaction:
Reaction on social media was far less forgiving.
One supporter wrote: “Congratulations Andrea Piardi, you have just become the worst referee of all time.”
Another joked there were three certainties in life: “Death. Taxes. Andrea Piardi losing control of a rugby match.”
A third posted: “Andrea Piardi reffing a Test like he's never seen a rugby ball before.”
France v Springboks match officials
The Italian will now oversee another huge Springboks fixture, this time against Fabien Galthié's France.
According to SA Rugby, the appointments are:
- Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
- Assistant referees: Christophe Ridley (England), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
- TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
- Foul Play Review Officer: Andrew Jackson (England)
The encounter carries extra spice following South Africa's dramatic one-point victory over France in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
For Piardi, it is another high-pressure appointment.
And after the extraordinary scenes in Perth, South African supporters will be keeping a particularly close eye on the man with the whistle.
Andrea Piardi: Facts about the referee 🏉
- 🇮🇹 Full name: Andrea Piardi
- 🎂 Born: 1992 (34 years old in 2026).
- 📍 Birthplace: Brescia, Italy.
- 🏉 Playing career: Former back-row forward for Fiumicello and Brescia.
- 🟨 Started refereeing: Aged 20, encouraged by fellow Italian official Gianluca Gnecchi.
- 🏆 Made history: Became the first Italian to referee a men's Six Nations match, Ireland v Wales in 2024.
- 🌍 World Cup experience: Served as an assistant referee at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
- 🦁 Lions experience: Refereed the second British & Irish Lions Test against Australia in 2025.
- 🎓 Education: Graduated in mechanical engineering from the University of Brescia.
- 🎻 Hidden talent: Plays the violin.
- 🐈 Pets: Has two cats named Robin and Ruccola.
- 🏉 Latest appointment: France v South Africa, 13 November 2026, at the Stade de France.
