The lone French referee selected by World Rugby, Mathieu Raynal will be looking to fly under the radar during the Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: Backpagepix
All Blacks vs Springboks: Who is referee Mathieu Raynal
How have the Springboks performed when 41-year-old Frenchman Mathieu Raynal has taken the whistle in Test rugby clashes?
The lone French referee selected by World Rugby, Mathieu Raynal will be looking to fly under the radar during the Rugby World Cup 2023. Photo: Backpagepix
The referee for the Springboks clash with the All Blacks this weekend will be 41-year-old Frenchman Mathieu Raynal.
Esteemed among the best whistlers in the Northern Hemisphere, Raynal hasn’t managed to avoid controversy over the course of his career.
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Last term Raynal took charge of the Bledisloe Cup Test between New Zealand and Australia at Marvel Stadium which saw him caught at the centre of a fierce debate.
With time running out in the first clash between Australia and New Zealand, Raynal awarded Australia a penalty but after the Wallabies kicker ignored his calls to get on with the game he reversed the decision which led to a crucial late score for the All Blacks and ultimately a Rugby Championship victory.
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The Springboks haven’t always had the best matches under French referees but might hope that a closer relationship with the North will help them come to grips with Raynal’s particular style.
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How has Mathieu Raynal officiated recently
Raynal enjoyed a solid Six Nations with the whistle, earning plaudits from neutrals for his control of matches/
He will be among the prominent officials at the Rugby World Cup later this year.
The last time he took charge of a Springbok match was on the British and Irish Lions tour with the South Africans winning 19-16.
Raynal directed the All Blacks 25-25 draw with England at Twickenham last year
His history
Raynal had a brief playing career that saw him turn out for hometown club Perpignan before transitioning to officiating.
In 2013 he suffered a horror injury after being caught between two players and fracturing both his and fibula.
He missed several months of action but would return to the whistle work in 2014.
Raynal has refereed three Tests involving the Springboks with the men in green and gold winning two and losing the other.
