Whitehouse replaces Jutge

French ref crocked

Joël Jutge, the French referee appointed to referee the Twickenham clash between England and Ireland, has had to withdraw because of injury. His place is taken by Nigel Whitehouse of Wales.

Last weekend Jutge refereed the match between Wales and Scotland at Millennium Stadium.

Whitehouse was down to be the No.1 touch judge for the Twickenham match. He now moves up to referee the match.

As a result, Nigel Owens, the Welshman with the great tenor voice, will move from Rome to London. He was to have been the No.2 touch judge for the match at Stadio Flaminio between Italy and Scotland.

In his place Wayne Barnes of England, a solicitor turned full-time referee, will be going to Rome in Owens's place.

The position of No.1 and No.2 for touch judges is significant only if the referee has to be replaced during a match.