The match officials for the All Blacks’ upcoming four-test series against South Africa have been confirmed, with Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli set to oversee the second encounter in Cape Town. His appointment will attract attention in New Zealand, given his role in officiating the All Blacks’ heaviest defeat on record.
Referees Named for Major Rugby Championship Series
World Rugby has confirmed the officials for the highly anticipated series between two of international rugby’s greatest rivals.
English referee Matthew Carley will take charge of the opening test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 23 August (NZ time). Amashukeli will officiate the second test in Cape Town on 30 August (NZ time), while Australian Angus Gardner will oversee the third test at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on 6 September (NZ time). England’s Karl Dickson will referee the fourth and final test in Baltimore, United States, on 13 September (NZ time).
Amashukeli Returns After Historic All Blacks Defeat
Amashukeli’s appointment is notable because he was the referee during the All Blacks’ record defeat, a result that became one of the defining moments in the side’s recent history.
That heavy loss was among the factors that preceded Scott Robertson’s departure as All Blacks head coach in January. Dave Rennie has since taken over the role and now faces the challenge of leading New Zealand through a demanding series against the reigning world champions on South African soil.
Amashukeli has also officiated several other significant All Blacks defeats. He was in charge during the controversial 30-29 loss to France in Paris during Robertson’s first season in 2024. Earlier, in 2022, he refereed the historic 25-18 defeat to Argentina in Christchurch, marking the first time the Pumas had beaten the All Blacks on New Zealand soil.
The All Blacks’ overall record under Amashukeli stands at three wins and three losses.
Challenging Record Under Matthew Carley
The opening test will be officiated by Matthew Carley, under whom New Zealand has experienced mixed fortunes.
The All Blacks have lost all three matches against South Africa when Carley has been the referee. Those defeats include an 18-12 loss in Cape Town in 2024, a 35-7 defeat in London ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and a narrow 31-29 loss on the Gold Coast in 2021.
Despite that record against the Springboks, the All Blacks did secure a 28-14 victory over Australia in Perth last October with Carley in charge. Overall, New Zealand has won five and lost three tests officiated by the Englishman.
Discipline Expected to Be Decisive
With three of the four referees coming from the northern hemisphere, maintaining discipline is expected to be a major focus for the All Blacks throughout the series.
Northern hemisphere officials are generally known for applying a stricter interpretation of the laws, particularly at the breakdown. That differs from Super Rugby Pacific, where referees often prioritise continuity and fewer stoppages.
For New Zealand, avoiding unnecessary penalties will be critical. South Africa has consistently capitalised on opposition infringements, either by gaining territory through tactical kicking or by taking points from the tee. Managing the breakdown effectively and adapting quickly to each referee’s interpretation could prove decisive across the four tests.
Gardner and Dickson Bring More Familiar Records
Australian referee Angus Gardner, a regular figure in Super Rugby Pacific, will oversee the third test. Gardner has officiated 16 All Blacks tests, with New Zealand winning 13 and losing only three.
Karl Dickson, meanwhile, has presided over five All Blacks tests, all of which New Zealand has won. Among those victories was the memorable 24-17 win over South Africa at Eden Park last September, regarded as one of the standout performances of Robertson’s tenure.
Series Set to Test the All Blacks
The four-test series presents one of the toughest assignments in international rugby, with South Africa entering as favourites on home turf before the final match in the United States. For the All Blacks, adapting to different refereeing styles, maintaining discipline, and winning the breakdown battle will be essential if they are to challenge the world champions and achieve a successful tour.
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