17 October 2023 , 15:52
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Ben O'Keeffe will referee England's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa - despite being scathingly criticised by former boss Eddie Jones.
England will take on the defending champions at the Stade de France in a repeat of the 2019 final. Steve Borthwick's side have defied expectations by reaching the last four of the tournament - boasting a perfect record - and are the only European team left in the hat.
Yet South Africa are the big favourites to win Saturday evening's game, and England fans will be even more nervous after O'Keeffe's appointment. Jones controversially hinted the Kiwi official was biased following a Six Nations clash in 2020.
O'Keeffe also came under fire after South Africa's win against World Cup hosts France, with the latter's captain Antoine Dupont accusing the referee of "not being up to the challenge". Yet World Rugby have defended O'Keeffe by giving him the semi-final gig.
Jones hit out at O'Keeffe after England's 33-30 victory over Wales at Twickenham in 2020, which saw Manu Tuilagi sent off and Ellis Genge sin-binned. "It was 13 vs 16 at the end," said Jones, who was reprimanded by the Rugby Football Union for his remark.
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In a statement, the RFU passed on their apologies to O'Keeffe and the match officials team for Jones' criticism and insisted they "regret any implications that Ben O'Keeffe was biased in his decision-making". Jones was sacked by England last December.
Then came Dupont's comments after last weekend's quarter-final. The Frenchman said: "There is a lot of disappointment, frustration. We can’t wait to see the replays again, even if they should frustrate us even more. There are clear and obvious things that have not been whistled. I don’t know if the match is lost in these moments.
Eddie Jones criticised O'Keeffe three years ago (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Are you concerned about Ben O'Keeffe officiating England's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa? Let us know in the comments below!
"In crucial moments, we should have obtained penalties. When you advance 60 metres and the ruck is slowed down, it’s something easy to whistle. I’m not sure that the refereeing was up to the challenge today. But I’m not going to be bitter."
O'Keeffe was also in the spotlight ahead of the game, as South Africa's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus accused the French players of 'simulating'. He said: "I think the French are not playing a reckless game where they are on the edge of being too physical.
"What they do well is that when they get close to the high hits, they really show that to the referee. They do simulate sometimes a little bit which is clever and obviously works. I think they’re very clear at that, very good at that."
Saturday evening's semi-final will be the third time O'Keeffe has taken charge of a match involving South Africa at this World Cup. He will be assisted by Andrew Brace of Ireland and compatriots Paul Williams and Brendon Pickerill (television match official).