A UK newspaper is suggesting under-fire New Zealand rugby referee Bryce Lawrence may quit following widespread criticism of his performance in controlling the Australia-South Africa world cup quarter-final last weekend.
Defending champions South Africa went on to lose 11-9 despite dominating about 70 per cent of possession.
Already vilified by many in the media and Springboks fans at large, The Daily Telegraph quotes comments made by South African referees manager André Watson, himself formerly a Test referee, who said he was dumbfounded by Lawrence's performance on Sunday.
South Africans have accused Lawrence of getting several key decision horribly wrong, and particularly of failing to rein in Wallaby openside flanker David Pocock from illegally spoiling the Springboks' ball and flow.
Despite the IRB saying that no public action would be taken against Lawrence, Watson believes the Kiwi will be hauled over the coals in some way and believes he won't officiate in any Rugby World Cup again.
