Rugby: Neutral refs given the nod for semis

The SANZAR referee selectors have chosen neutral referees to control the Super 14 semifinals this weekend, despite calls for the best officials to be in charge regardless of their nationality.

Two Australians will referee the semifinals, which are both in South Africa, with Stuart Dickinson controlling the Sharks-Blues game while Matt Goddard has been handed the whistle for the Bulls-Crusaders clash.

In today's Herald Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said SANZAR told the Super 14 coaches the best referees would control the critical games.

Deans expressed a preference to have the best referee in charge and said neutrality wasn't an issue.

"We would be perfectly happy with South African referees," Deans said.

>>Neutrality the rule for playoffs