Joubert to referee World Cup final

South Africa's Craig Joubert will referee the World Cup final between New Zealand and France, the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced Monday.

The showpiece match, which takes place at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday, October 23, will be Joubert's first time in charge of a World Cup final.

This weekend will also see him become only the second South African take charge of the tournament climax following two-time World Cup final referee Andre Watson.

Joubert was unobtrusive while overseeing New Zealand's 20-6 semi-final win over Australia here on Sunday.

But the spotlight was very much on Alain Rolland after the Irishman, the 2007 World Cup final referee, sent off Wales captain Sam Warburton for a dangerous 'tip tackle' during France's 9-8 win in Saturday's first semi-final a decision IRB referees' chief Paddy O'Brien later insisted was "absolutely correct in law".

Rolland will be one of the touch judges for this year's final, along with Welsh referee Nigel Owens. Rolland is also the reserve referee.

"It is an enormous honour to get the final and I would like to thank Paddy and the (selection) committee for giving me the opportunity," Joubert said in an IRB statement issued Monday. "I am now really looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the occasion," he added.

England's Wayne Barnes will referee Friday's third place playoff between Australia and Wales at Eden Park.

"The IRB match official selection committee was delighted with Craig and Alain's performances in the semi-finals," O'Brien said Monday.

"On behalf of the committee and all of the team I would like to congratulate Craig, Wayne and all the guys on their selection, which is entirely on merit," added the New Zealander, himself a former Test referee.

AUCKLAND, AFP