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Men’s rugby union Right decisions will be made despite South African official’s involvement, Lions assured ahead of Springboks clash

South African Marius Jonker will help to oversee his home nation's match after a Covid-related drop-out, with British & Irish coaches complaining 'there’s a reason why that position is neutral'

THE British and Irish Lions have been assured by the officials overseeing this evening’s first Test against the Springboks that the correct decisions will be made despite the appointment of a South African television match official.

Warren Gatland was furious that the neutrality of the officiating team had been compromised after Marius Jonker was chosen to replace New Zealand’s Brendon Pickerill, who withdrew due to coronavirus-related travel issues.

Gatland and his coaching lieutenants met referee Nic Berry on Thursday to discuss concerns ahead of the series, which begins at Cape Town Stadium.

Complicating Jonker’s appointment is the fact that he was the TMO for the South Africa “A” game last week when Faf de Klerk was shown only a yellow card despite making contact with the head of Josh Navidi.

The Lions felt that the Springboks’ star scrum-half should have been sent off for the first-half incident, and they have strong misgivings now that Jonker is in place for the critical opening clash between the rivals.

“It was a bit unexpected,” forwards coach Robin McBryde said of the appointment. “We only found out on Wednesday. There’s a slight lack of foresight because there’s a reason why that position is neutral. There’s no plan B put in place. You’ve just got to get on with it really.

“We met the three officials who are officiating on the weekend. We went through everything that’s happened up to date. They were reluctant to pass any opinion on what’s happened.

“They’re aware of it and they’re confident in the comms they’ll have on the weekend that, between the four of them, they’ll come to the right decision.”

The match kicks off at 5pm tomorrow. Big money owns live broadcast rights, but you can watch highlights on Channel 4’s free All4 service.

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