With the Springboks preparing to face the All Blacks at Ellis Park, referee Matthew Carley will inevitably attract plenty of attention. But history suggests South Africa should have little reason to worry about the English official.
The Springboks and All Blacks are preparing for another chapter of one of rugby’s biggest rivalries, with the first Test scheduled for Saturday, 22 August, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
While the focus should ultimately be on the players, recent debates surrounding refereeing decisions and TMO calls have added another layer of intrigue to the series.
World Rugby has appointed neutral officiating teams for the four Tests, with Carley taking charge of the opening encounter.
Carley to referee first Test
Carley will lead the officiating team at Ellis Park after previously refereeing the All Blacks during their current South African tour.
The Englishman was in charge when New Zealand defeated the Sharks 54-0 at Kings Park.
He will be assisted by fellow Englishman Karl Dickson and Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli. Scotland’s Mike Adamson will serve as TMO, while France’s Eric Gauzins has been appointed as the Foul Play Review Officer.
Given the importance of the opening Test, every major decision is likely to receive intense scrutiny.
Springboks boast impressive Carley record
However, South Africa’s record when Carley has the whistle should provide some reassurance.
The Springboks lost their first two Tests under the English referee, against Wales in 2018 and Australia in 2021.
Since then, their record has changed dramatically.
South Africa have gone seven consecutive Tests unbeaten with Carley as referee, including victories over New Zealand, Wales, Italy, Georgia and Ireland.
Even more encouraging for Rassie Erasmus’ side is their record against the All Blacks.
The Springboks have won all three previous Tests against New Zealand with Carley in charge.
Those victories came in:
- 🇿🇦 South Africa 31-29 New Zealand — Gold Coast, 2021
- 🇿🇦 South Africa 35-7 New Zealand — Twickenham, 2023
- 🇿🇦 South Africa 18-12 New Zealand — Cape Town, 2024
History favours the Springboks
Carley’s overall record with South Africa suggests the referee should hardly be a source of concern heading into Saturday’s blockbuster.
The Springboks have won their last seven matches with him in charge, including three against their fiercest rivals.
Of course, past results do not guarantee what will happen at Ellis Park. The Springboks will still need to execute their game plan, manage discipline and adapt to Carley’s interpretation of the laws.
But if history is anything to go by, South African supporters have plenty of reason to feel confident.
Who will referee the other All Blacks Tests?
The remaining three Tests in the series will have different officials:
- 29 August — Cape Town: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
- 5 September — Johannesburg: Angus Gardner (Australia)
- 12 September — Baltimore: Karl Dickson (England)
With four huge matches ahead, officiating will inevitably remain part of the conversation.
But for the opening Test at Ellis Park, Carley’s record suggests the Springboks should be focusing far more on the All Blacks than on the man with the whistle.
