Rolland to referee semi-final clash

Ireland’s Alain Rolland will referee the opening World Cup semi-final between Wales and France in Auckland on Saturday.

Rolland, who controlled the World Cup final when South Africa beat England in Paris four years ago, will have England’s Wayne Barnes and South African Jonathan Kaplan as his assistants.

The second semi-final next Sunday between New Zealand and Australia will be controlled by South African Craig Joubert, assisted by Welshman Nigel Owens and France’s Romain Poite.

Appointments for the final and third place play-off game will be announced next Monday.