All Blacks: Change of linesman for test

The head of the IRB referees' panel, New Zealand's Paddy O'Brien. Photo / Mark Mitchell

An indifferent performance in Melbourne last Saturday has cost an IRB assistant referee his place running the lines for this weekend's Tri-Nations test in Christchurch.

Cobus Wessels of South Africa has been replaced by New Zealand's Keith Brown as assistant referee for Saturday's match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies.

Wessels, who will now perform the role of Television Match Official, has been stood down as Assistant Referee 2 following a routine review of match official performance in last weekend's Tri-Nations match in Melbourne.

The appointment of a replacement Assistant Referee from the Host Union is owing to the logistical and preparation pressures of selecting a neutral official for Saturday's match.

The change has also been approved by SANZAR.