Thursday, June 08, 2006

The Man in the middle has a tough job ahead...

Apart from facing a powerful Springbok team which has not been beaten at home in two years and trying to beat them for the first time on South African soil, the role of Irish referee Donal Courtney will be critical.

These are the sentiments of Scottish coach Frank Hadden ahead of his team's first Test against the Springboks on Saturday in Durban.

Boasting of his team's disciplinary record, Hadden is of the opinion that some of their work will be cut out in carving a victory against the Boks.

"The role of Donal is an extremely critical one. We are hoping that it will be advantageous to us on the day," Hadden said.

And with the interpretation of laws often different between Northern and southern hemisphere referees, Hadden is confident that his disciplined side will find themselves on the right side of Courtney on Saturday.

"We are proud of our disciplinary record. We were consistent in the Six Nations and we are working hard at staying on the referee's side this weekend," said Hadden.

Courtney will be assisted by his two touch judges Joel Jutge of France and Rob Debney of England with Simon McDowell from Ireland as the Television Match Official.

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