Owens to ref All Black tie

Nigel Owens will referee Ireland’s Autumn international with New Zealand — 16 months after the chance to claim a first win over the All Blacks was lost on the back of his controversial decision in Christchurch.

The sides were level with four minutes to go in the second Test when Owens awarded a penalty to the Kiwis on the back of a scrum which many felt should have seen a penalty awarded to Declan Kidney’s tourists.

Instead, New Zealand progressed deep into Irish territory before Dan Carter landed a winning drop goal. Owens has not officiated an Irish international since but he will be on duty on November 24 at the Aviva Stadium.