Springboks vs All Blacks referee changed AGAIN for third Test

Saturday, 05 September 2026 at 10:09

bySteven Smith

There will be another change in the middle when the Springboks and All Blacks collide in their third and final Test at FNB Stadium.

Angus Gardner had originally been appointed to referee the Johannesburg showdown, but the Australian will no longer have the whistle when the two great rivals meet again.

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Instead, Georgia's Nika Amashukeli will take charge, with Gardner serving as one of his assistant referees.

The switch comes following an earlier reshuffle of the officials during the three-Test series.

Why was the referee changed?

Amashukeli had originally been selected to referee the second Test in Cape Town, with Gardner scheduled to take charge of the third encounter.

However, the Georgian was forced to withdraw from the Cape Town fixture through illness.

World Rugby subsequently moved Gardner into the middle for Test Two before confirming Amashukeli would take his place as referee for the FNB Stadium finale.

Gardner has subsequently moved to assistant referee duties for the third Test.

Scrum under the spotlight

The appointment comes at a fascinating time following the considerable debate surrounding the scrum during the second Test.

The All Blacks raised concerns over South Africa's tactics at the set-piece, with the Springboks subsequently defending their approach.

That means Amashukeli's interpretation of the scrum is likely to come under intense scrutiny in Johannesburg.

With the rivalry already producing plenty of debate around officiating and the breakdown, the Georgian will be tasked with controlling what promises to be another hugely physical encounter.

While the referee change was confirmed as part of the earlier reshuffle rather than being a late alteration on matchday, it means the man originally appointed for the third Test will not be the man with the whistle.

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Highest-Paid Springboks:

So, who sits at the top of the highest-paid Springboks list? Here are the 10 highest-paid Springboks in 2026, ranked from 10 to 1.

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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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With Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015—and as the first nation to ever retain the title—the All Blacks’ past is packed with iconic moments and unforgettable names.

Now it’s your turn: can you recognise these retro All Blacks players? Test your knowledge of the legends who shaped the black jersey.

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