Wayne Barnes to referee Ireland's World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand

BIG GIG: Wayne Barnes has been selected to referee Saturday's eagerly awaited quarter-final between Ireland and New Zealand. Pic: INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Wayne Barnes has been selected to referee Saturday's eagerly awaited Rugby World Cup quarter-final between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France.

In an all-English officiating team, Matthew Carley and Christophe Ridley will be Barnes’ assistant referees, while Tom Foley will be on television match official duty.

Barnes refereed the deciding Test of last year’s series between Ireland and New Zealand, which Ireland won 32-22.

Barnes, who was an assistant referee during Ireland's 37-14 win over Scotland last weekend, will break the record for taking charge of the most quarter-finals.

He currently holds the record with Welsh duo Nigel Owens and Derek Bevan, and Scotland's Jim Fleming.

The barrister has officiated at over 100 international games and was the man in the middle for Ireland's Pool B win over Tonga.

Ireland topped their group with a 100 per cent record, including a win over defending champions South Africa.

New Zealand finished in second place in Pool A behind France. The hosts beat the the All Blacks 27-13 in the opening game of the tournament but Ian Foster's men have improved as the competition has gone one, including a 96-14 win over Italy in their penultimate Pool game.

Kick off on Saturday is at 8pm.