Online petition calls for Lawrence's head

Almost 60,000 rugby fans have joined an online petition calling on a New Zealand referee never to officiate again, after his "incompetence" allegedly robbed the Springboks of a semifinal place.

Bryce Lawrence presided over the weekend's Australia v South Africa quarter-final, in which the Wallabies pipped the Springboks 11-9.

The Springboks controlled most of the possession and territory but were unable to score.

The key for Australia was David Pocock's dominance at the breakdown. Many commentators have said that was possible only because Lawrence failed to penalise infringements.

The officiating has sparked an online petition on Facebook, calling itself the "Petition To Stop Bryce Lawrence Ever Reffing A Rugby Game Again".

"LIKE This page to sign the petition," it says.

The petition's creator claims Lawrence "made 29 wrong calls in the match" between South Africa and Australia. "He should never be allowed to ref a rugby at that level again ..."

The petition has grabbed widespread attention, and the number of rugby fans joining the chorus of derision approached 60,000 last night.

Comments left by the participants ranged from the gracious to the vile.

"What we mustn't do is demonise New Zealand - remember how awesome it was to win at home - Bryce Lawrence is just one man!" wrote Louise Vickers.

"New Zealand have been through a lot - earthquakes and now oil leaks - let's support our Southern Hemisphere brothers regardless of Bryce Lawrence!"

Some were hopeful their petition could convince the International Rugby Board to stage a rematch of the quarter-finals match.

"The Boks deserve a rematch!" said Kim-Leigh Kristen Davids. "WE DEMAND A REMATCH! We can beat da Aussies in our sleep!! (without Bryce Lawrence as the ref)."