Watson: 'Lawrence will be punished'
New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence, the target of much anger in the wake of South Africa’s early exit from the World Cup, will be punished and may never referee at the global showpiece again.
Australia beat South Africa 11-9 in their quarterfinal showdown in Wellington last Sunday and there has been an eruption of hatred directed at the referee, Lawrence.
Even André Watson, a South African Rugby Union General Manager and in charge of South African referees, admitted to being “surprised” by Lawrence’s performance.
He confirmed that the Kiwi match official would be punished.
Speaking on 567 Cape Talk Radio, Watson said that Lawrence’s handling of the breakdown area in the clash between the Springboks and the Wallabies. had baffled him.
Watson said: “His opening game [at the World Cup, a match between England and Argentina] was outstanding. I had no problem with his appointment. But he allowed a free-for-all [in the quarterfinal].”
As a result Wallaby flank David Pocock had a field day, winning turnovers and slowing down the Springboks’ ball virtually at will.
Watson added: “It’s not what you would expect from a referee of his calibre – he didn’t referee the breakdown the way he was supposed to. He just didn’t step in.
“He will be punished, but that’s up to the IRB.
“I do not believe we will see him in any World Cup again,” said Watson.
Watson also said that the SA Referees’ Association would voice its disapproval.
“It’s done and dusted now, but we will be taking action,” the SA Referees’ boss said, adding: “We want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
