World Cup referees: blowing the whistle

Rugby writer Wynne Gray gives his assessment, in no particular order, of the top six referees for the World Cup.

PADDY O'BRIEN (NEW ZEALAND)

The former provincial wing and policeman is into his 15th season of refereeing and like the proverbial bottle of wine gets better each year. Firm but willing to give advice, O'Brien is usually a calming influence in the heat of battle. Allows advantage on a regular basis.

COLIN HAWKE (NEW ZEALAND)

Another fulltime ref who began learning his sporting trade in 1972 as he combined his love of rugby and original career as a traffic cop. Takes command of matches without acting like he still has the ticket book. Plenty of bigtime experience and bigtime maturity.

PETER MARSHALL (AUSTRALIA)

Came to prominence in recent years with his decisions, settled disposition and ability to deal with the players' white-hot emotions in internationals. Full time official who had his first (losing) All Black test in Toulouse in 1995 and has been a regular official since.

BRIAN CAMPBELL (ENGLAND)

First refereed All Black tests in 1997 when they played Argentina twice then popped up again later that year when the tourists played Llanelli. Seemed to be a relaxed official, one prepared to be more flexible and there for the players and the game rather than the assessors.

ED MORRISON (ENGLAND)

The man in charge of the last dramatic World Cup final in South Africa in 1995. Very experienced but can clam up sometimes and blow his whistle rather than letting games run. Fair, concise and clean in his rulings though without trying to take centre stage.

STUART DICKINSON (AUSTRALIA)

The newest member of the World Cup panel after learning the job for the last decade. Impressed, like a number of fellow Australians, with his consistent standards and interpretations during this season's Super 12 series. Had an exotic international debut when he controlled Papua New Guinea against Tahiti two years ago.

The World Cup Referees

DEREK BEVAN (WALES)

Began refereeing 1972

First international: England v Romania, 1985

37 tests.

Occupation: Electrical Training Officer

BRIAN CAMPSALL (ENGLAND)

Began refereeing 1983

First international: Romania v Russia, 1994

Eight tests.

Occupation: Referee

ANDREW COLE (AUSTRALIA)

Began refereeing 1978

First international: Samoa v Tonga, 1994

Five tests.

Occupation: Dentist.

STUART DICKINSON (AUSTRALIA)

Began refereeing 1988

First international: PNG v Tahiti, 1997.

Six tests.

Occupation: Referee.

JOEL DUME (FRANCE)

Began refereeing 1980.

First international: Australia v Ireland, 1994. Nine tests.

Occupation: Director of Administration.

WAYNE ERICKSON (AUSTRALIA)

Began refereeing: 1986

First international: Argentina v Scotland, 1994. 15 tests.

Occupation: Referee.

JIM FLEMING (SCOTLAND)

Began refereeing 1973.

First international: Ireland v England, 1985. 35 tests.

Occupation: Chartered Surveyor.

COLIN HAWKE (NEW ZEALAND)

Began refereeing 1972.

First international: Ireland v Argentina, 1990.

18 tests.

Occupation: Referee.

PAUL HONISS (NEW ZEALAND)

Began refereeing 1984

First international: Tahiti v Cook Islands, 1997.

Eight tests.

Occupation: Referee.

PETER MARSHALL (AUSTRALIA)

Began refereeing 1986.

First international: Fiji v Tonga, 1993.

17 tests.

Occupation: Referee.

DAVID MCHUGH (IRELAND)

Began refereeing 1985.

First international: Romania v Wales, 1994.

11 tests.

Occupation: Referee.

ED MORRISON (ENGLAND)

Began refereeing 1982.

First international: France v Scotland, 1991. 28 tests.

Occupation: Referee.


PADDY O'BRIEN (NEW ZEALAND)

Began refereeing 1984.

First international: Korea v Japan, 1994.

16 tests.

Occupation: Referee.

CLAYTON THOMAS (WALES)

Began refereeing 1982.

First international: Scotland v Canada, 1995.

12 tests.

Occupation: School teacher.

ANDRE WATSON (SOUTH AFRICA)

Began refereeing 1986

First international: Australia v Canada, 1996.

Nine tests.

Occupation: Referee.

CHRIS WHITE (ENGLAND)

Began refereeing 1990.

First international: Georgia v Russia, 1998.

Six tests.

Occupation: Referee.