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The Springboks line up for the anthem. Photo: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK

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Who will be the referee for Springboks-Argentina on Saturday?

The Springboks’ hopes of winning the Rugby Championship seem to have been dashed after their latest defeat to the All Blacks, but there is still a glimmer of hope. New Zealand look likely to claim the southern hemisphere title once again, a feat that will be achieved if they beat Australia on 29 July (11:45am kick […]

28-07-23 17:20
The Springboks brand - Rugby World Cup group
The Springboks line up for the anthem. Photo: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK

The Springboks’ hopes of winning the Rugby Championship seem to have been dashed after their latest defeat to the All Blacks, but there is still a glimmer of hope.

New Zealand look likely to claim the southern hemisphere title once again, a feat that will be achieved if they beat Australia on 29 July (11:45am kick off SA time), although this result cannot be guaranteed.

ALSO READ: World Rugby rankings: Where Springboks will stand after Saturday

SPRINGBOKS NEED A FAVOUR

Currently, New Zealand have a four point lead at the top of the log, and so the Springboks really need Australia to do them a favour by beating the All Blacks without allowing the Kiwis to claim a losing bonus point.

If this were to happen, the Springboks would then need to target a bonus-point victory against Argentina at Ellis Park, which is something they would surely be expected to achieve.

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Unfortunately South Africa no longer have control over their own destiny in pursuit of the Rugby Championship title, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that there could be a surprise or two in the final round of competition.

Of course, one of the focus areas for this Saturday’s encounter at Ellis Park will be on the officiating, with Irishman Andrew Brace taking charge of the match. He will be assisted by countryman Chris Busby and TMO Joy Neville, while Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli will be the other assistant.

Brace (Ireland) referees South Africa v Argentina for the second time. The first encounter ended in a 32-12 win for the Springboks in August 2021.

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VIEW THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP APPOINTMENTS >>
VIEW THE REMAINING JULY-AUGUST APPOINTMENTS >>

REFEREES FOR THE FINAL ROUND OF THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

Australia v New Zealand
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Saturday, 29 July, 2023
Ref: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO: Tom Foley (RFU)
South Africa v Argentina
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 29 July, 2023
Ref: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referee 2: Chris Busby (IRFU)
TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)

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HOW THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP LOG LOOKS

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