Wales vs South Africa referee left millions confused with error
Today at 06:06 AM
We take a look at the Wales vs South Africa referee for today’s huge test march in Cardiff with Warren Gatland’s job seemingly on the line.
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Welsh rugby fans, brace yourselves. After last weekend's 52-20 demolition by Australia—a record-breaking 11th consecutive defeat—the odds are stacked against Warren Gatland's side as they prepare to face the reigning double world champions, South Africa.
Even the most optimistic Welsh supporters will be steeling themselves for what feels like an inevitable 12th straight loss.
With the Principality Stadium set to host what could be Gatland's final game in charge, the stakes couldn't be higher. The spotlight is firmly on the head coach, but Saturday's showdown will also feature another pivotal figure: the man with the whistle.
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Karl Dickson: The Wales vs South Africa Referee in Focus
Born in Salisbury in 1982, Karl Dickson knows a thing or two about rugby—both on and off the field. As a scrum-half, he notched up more than 100 appearances for Bedford Blues and 169 for Harlequins. Back in his playing days, Quins boss Conor O'Shea rated him among the top five scrum-halves in England. He even earned a call-up to the England squad during the 2012 Six Nations, though a cap eluded him.
Dickson hung up his boots in 2017 and quickly transitioned to refereeing. By then, he'd already spent three years earning his officiating stripes, starting with schools and grassroots matches before climbing the ranks to the Premiership. His international refereeing debut came in 2018 for Georgia v Samoa, and he's since gone on to officiate Six Nations games and last year's Rugby World Cup.
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World Cup Drama: The Flag Fiasco
Dickson's World Cup debut in 2023 wasn't without its share of controversy. Serving as an assistant referee during the opener between France and New Zealand, he found himself at the centre of a bizarre moment. Late in the game, Melvyn Jaminet's conversion attempt appeared ambiguous—one touch judge raised their flag, the other did not. Dickson confirmed the kick as successful, only for broadcasters ITV and World Rugby to later clarify it had actually missed.
ITV's Mark Pougatch addressed the confusion live, correcting the scoreline to 27-13. "There was a debate about whether the final conversion went over. One touch judge put his flag up, one didn't," Pougatch explained. While the incident didn't change the result, it certainly caused a stir.
What to Expect on Saturday
As Dickson takes charge at the Principality Stadium, all eyes will be on his decision-making in what promises to be a high-stakes clash. For Wales, it's about salvaging pride—for South Africa, it's another step in solidifying their dominance. One thing is certain: the man in the middle will have a huge role to play.
Referee’s this weekend:
22–24 Nov 2024
France v Argentina
Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)
ARs: Andrea Piardi (Ita) & Morné Ferreira (Sco)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Wales v South Africa
Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
ARs: Christophe Ridley (Eng) & Damian Schneider (Arg)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
Italy v New Zealand
Referee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Ludovic Cayre (Fra)
TMO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
Ireland v Fiji
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco)
ARs: Matt Carley (Eng) & Sam Grove White (Sco)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Spain v USA
Referee: Saba Abulashvili (Geo)
ARs: Kevin Bralley (Fra) & Evan Urruzmendi (Fra)
TMO: Tom Spurrier (Wal)
Romania v Uruguay
Referee: Adam Leal (Eng)
ARs: TBC & TBC
TMO: Adam Jones (Wal)
Scotland A v Chile
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
ARs: Federico Vedovelli (Ita) & TBC
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Georgia v Tonga
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)
ARs: Jerremy Rozier (Fra) & Aimee Barrett-Theron (SA)
TMO: Tom Foley (Eng)
England vs Japan referee
Referee: Craig Evans (Wal)
ARs: Andrea Piardi (Ita) & Morné Ferreira (Sco)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ire)
Scotland v Australia
Referee: Chris Busby (Ire)
ARs: Andrew Brace (Ire) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)
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