Former All Blacks No 8 Murray Mexted has questioned why northern hemisphere referees are appointed for southern hemisphere Tests.
Mexted played 34 consecutive Tests for New Zealand between 1979 and 1985, as well as 38 non-Test matches, and later captained the side.
He made his comments on DSPN with Martin Devlin after the All Blacks’ 24-17 victory over the Springboks at Eden Park.
“I don’t know why we use British referees, quite frankly. I was battling to understand some of the rulings,” Mexted said. “The officious nature of northern hemisphere referees is tough on southern hemisphere rugby.”
The match, billed as the most eagerly awaited clash since the 2023 World Cup final, saw Scott Robertson’s men score three tries to South Africa’s two and maintain their impressive record in Auckland.
While New Zealand dominated large periods, referee Karl Dickson’s performance drew criticism, with some contentious calls and frequent stoppages noted.
Mexted argued that the southern hemisphere consistently produces stronger teams and more entertaining rugby, making it logical to use referees aligned with that approach.
“In the southern hemisphere, we’ve got the better teams if you look at the rankings continuously, and the game seems to be more entertaining to watch,” he said. “We want to see a real 15-man game. Kicking for touch and having scrums and lineouts isn’t. What we actually want is an entertaining match, a really good game of rugby.”
MATFIELD: Biggest games need best refs
Although Mexted acknowledged Dickson “did a reasonable job,” he maintained that the match was “over-reffed” and suggested a change in appointment policy.
The 71-year-old did praise the contest overall, describing it as “a hell of a game,” but pointed to both officiating and conditions as reasons it did not fully reach the heights expected of the world’s top two sides.
“We expect such a superb standard of rugby from Test matches, especially the top two teams in the world,” Mexted said. “That was influenced by the weather, but also influenced by the officious nature of the referee.”
The Springboks travel to Wellington on Saturday, where beating the All Blacks is essential to keep their Rugby Championship title defence alive.
ALSO: Duane relishes Jasper’s Bok return
Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The post All Blacks legend blasts ‘officious’ northern refs appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.