Springboks-All Blacks: Who will referee Cape Town Test?

This past weekend the opening Test between the Springboks and All Blacks saw English referee Matthew Carley take charge of the match at Ellis Park, which saw South Africa well and truly outplayed.

Although Carley did make some questionable calls that went against the Springboks, both coaches stated afterwards that they were satisfied with his performance.

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As attention now turns towards this Saturday’s Test when the Springboks will be understandably seeking redemption against the All Blacks, they will take note of the fact that Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli will be manning the whistle.

Amashukeli is known for clear communication and strict policing around the breakdown and when it comes to clean entries, and it’s worth keeping in mind that the Springboks hold a positive 4-1 overall record under his guidance.

HOW THE SPRINGBOKS HAVE FARED UNDER REFEREE AMASHUKELI

DateMatchResultCompetitionVenue2 July 2022South Africa vs WalesW 32–29July InternationalsLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria5 November 2022Ireland vs South AfricaL 19–16End-of-year InternationalsAviva Stadium, Dublin5 August 2023Argentina vs South AfricaW 24–13RWC Warm-upJosé Amalfitani, Buenos Aires13 September 2025New Zealand vs South AfricaW 43–10The Rugby ChampionshipSky Stadium, Wellington6 September 2025New Zealand vs South AfricaW 24–17The Rugby ChampionshipEden Park, Auckland

Amashukeli will be assisted by the RFU’s Karl Dickson (RFU) and Australian Angus Gardner, while Eric Gauzins – of France – will be in the TMO box.

REMINDER OF UPCOMING MATCH OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS

Lions v New Zealand
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 25 August, 2026Referee: Angus Gardner (RA)
Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)South Africa v New Zealand
DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 29 August, 2026Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Angus Gardner (RA)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)South Africa v New Zealand
FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday, 5 September, 2026Referee: Angus Gardner (RA)
Assistant Referee 1: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referee 2: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)South Africa v New Zealand
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
Saturday, 12 September, 2026Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Lots to look forward to

The All Blacks have so far played four out of their seven matches in South Africa on their ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour, including three Tests and four matches against provincial sides.

The fourth Test will be in Baltimore in the United States.

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