‘Joubert held his nerve’

Jonathan Kaplan has praised referee Craig Joubert's performance in the Currie Cup final at Newlands.

In his post-match analysis on Saturday, Nick Mallett said the final was 'beautifully refereed by Joubert', who played advantage well and gave the Lions credit for a dominant scrum. 

Kaplan, who blew five Currie Cup finals, agrees with the former Bok coach.

'Craig used his experience magnificently on the day,' he wrote on ratetheref.co.za. 'More than that, though, his preparation was outstanding, and notwithstanding a couple of errors during the game, his application and consistency were top drawer.

'Some have mused about his [playing of] advantage, but I felt it was well thought out and gave the stronger and weaker set piece an opportunity to express themselves. The delivery of sanction was excellent as was the selling of it not only to the players but the public too!

'Occasionally I felt [the] sanction was tough, but I did also notice that it was consistent, which is the hallmark of someone in the zone. He held his nerve right until the end of the fixture, and few will have gripes with his all-round game.'

Full article

Photo: Gerhard Steenkamp/BackpagePix

Post by