Robin McBryde: Lions promise 'clean slate' for officials after appointment of South African TMO

Marius Jonker had been the TMO who mystified Gatland last week when he failed to advise match referee Jaco Peyper to send off South Africa A’s Faf de Klerk for a high hit

Lions forwards coach Robin McBryde. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The British & Irish Lions say they have total confidence in the match officials for Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks despite their misgivings about the late appointment of a South African television match official.

Head coach Warren Gatland was understood to be furious when the tourists were informed of the withdrawal of New Zealander Brendon Pickerill due to Covid-related travel issues and World Rugby’s decision to replace the neutral TMO with Marius Jonker.