Controversial referee Andrea Piardi is set to oversee the high-stakes England vs. New Zealand match on November 15 at Twickenham, sparking discussions among fans and experts alike. This appointment comes on the heels of Piardi's contentious officiating during the Rugby Championship, where his decisions left many divided.
On October 4, at the same venue, Piardi faced criticism for not issuing a second yellow card to South Africa's Canan Moodie, who had already been penalized for a high tackle earlier in the game. The incident, which many believed to be a deliberate knock-on, was ruled accidental by Piardi, allowing Moodie to continue playing. This leniency potentially altered the match's outcome, where South Africa narrowly defeated Argentina 29-27. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus later remarked,
"He was lucky to stay on the field."
Piardi's track record this year has not been without controversy. During the British and Irish Lions' series against the Wallabies, he ruled that Jac Morgan's aggressive ruck clear-out, which led to a crucial score, was within the rules, much to the dismay of the Australian fans and team. His decision during the All Blacks' victory over Australia in Auckland also stirred frustrations, further cementing his reputation as a polarizing figure in rugby officiating.
The Italian referee's return to Twickenham is part of a broader lineup of international matches. The England team will kick off their November series against Australia under the supervision of Nika Amashukeli on November 1, followed by Paul Williams officiating the game against Fiji. After the New Zealand clash, Pierre Brousset will take the helm for the match against Argentina on November 23.
Brousset is also slated for another high-profile game, refereeing the Ireland vs. All Blacks match in Chicago on the same day England faces Australia. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Hollie Davidson, fresh from handling the England vs. France women’s Rugby World Cup final, is assigned to the Wales vs. New Zealand game on November 22.
The November tests are part of a packed international schedule, with 34 of the 42 matches holding Test status, involving 23 referees from 11 different countries. This diverse group of officials ensures a global representation in the governance of the game, reflecting the sport's international spirit.
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Controversial referee Andrea Piardi is set to oversee the high-stakes England vs. New Zealand match on November 15 at Twickenham, sparking discussions among fans and experts alike. This appointment comes on the heels of Piardi's contentious officiating during the Rugby Championship, where his decisions left many divided.
On October 4, at the same venue, Piardi faced criticism for not issuing a second yellow card to South Africa's Canan Moodie, who had already been penalized for a high tackle earlier in the game. The incident, which many believed to be a deliberate knock-on, was ruled accidental by Piardi, allowing Moodie to continue playing. This leniency potentially altered the match's outcome, where South Africa narrowly defeated Argentina 29-27. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus later remarked,
"He was lucky to stay on the field."
Piardi's track record this year has not been without controversy. During the British and Irish Lions' series against the Wallabies, he ruled that Jac Morgan's aggressive ruck clear-out, which led to a crucial score, was within the rules, much to the dismay of the Australian fans and team. His decision during the All Blacks' victory over Australia in Auckland also stirred frustrations, further cementing his reputation as a polarizing figure in rugby officiating.
The Italian referee's return to Twickenham is part of a broader lineup of international matches. The England team will kick off their November series against Australia under the supervision of Nika Amashukeli on November 1, followed by Paul Williams officiating the game against Fiji. After the New Zealand clash, Pierre Brousset will take the helm for the match against Argentina on November 23.
Brousset is also slated for another high-profile game, refereeing the Ireland vs. All Blacks match in Chicago on the same day England faces Australia. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Hollie Davidson, fresh from handling the England vs. France women’s Rugby World Cup final, is assigned to the Wales vs. New Zealand game on November 22.
The November tests are part of a packed international schedule, with 34 of the 42 matches holding Test status, involving 23 referees from 11 different countries. This diverse group of officials ensures a global representation in the governance of the game, reflecting the sport's international spirit.