World Rugby has confirmed an update to the match official team, for England’s 2024 Six Nations opener against Italy. Due to sustaining a calf injury, Pierre Brousset (France) will no longer be the Assistant Referee, when the Azzurri hosts Steve Borthwick’s side in Rome.
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Brousset has been replaced by Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), for the fixture on Saturday 3rd February. Amashukeli had a busy day when he refereed England vs Wales at Twickenham, in the Summer Nations Series ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Georgian introduced England fans to the new bunker system, and sent England captain Owen Farrell for an off-field review and subsequent red card.
Amashukeli also handed out yellow cards to Henry Arundell, Ellis Genge and Freddie Steward in that match, with England at one stage dropping down to 12 men against Wales. The full list of match officials has now been locked in and reads as follows for Italy vs England:
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referee 1: Nic Berry (RA)
Assistant Referee 2: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”