Joubert to referee Ireland game

South Africa’s Craig Joubert will take charge of Saturday’s first northern hemisphere showdown, between Wales and RBS 6 Nations rivals Ireland in Wellington, tournament organisers have announced.

England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France will be refereed by Steve Walsh.

The following day, Welsh official Nigel Owens will be the man in the middle for the All Blacks’ clash with Argentina at Auckland’s Eden Park.

New Zealand official Bryce Lawrence will whistle South Africa’s highly-anticipated appointment with Australia.