Marco Botha

Cape Town – Consistency and fairness.

That is what the South African Rugby Union (SARU) wants to achieve with the appointment of former referee Freek Burger as its only citing officer in this year’s Super14.

SARU legal manager Christo Ferreira confirmed to Sport24 that New Zealand and Australia have also bought into this concept. They have appointed Steve Hinds and Scott Nowland respectively.

Both have been citing officers in the Tri-Nations, while Burger was one of South Africa’s most successful Test referees and later the country’s refereeing boss.

“We had four citing officers last year. The one did not cite anyone in nine matches, while another cited 11 times. We have decided to appoint only one person in this capacity for the sake of consistency,” explained Ferreira.

Every citing officer will have a room equipped with the necessary technology at his disposal. They will be able to get the necessary camera angles and sound bytes there.

It will therefore not be necessary for citing officers to be physically present at games.

Burger will nevertheless have assistants at games that he does not attend himself to get the required footage from the broadcaster.

The citing period for the Super14 has also been extended from 12 to 24 hours, and players will face disciplinary hearings at the venue of their next game. That is to assist with touring logistics, Ferreira said.

The officials will consult with one another on Saturdays and Sundays about incidents, but have no say about the matches and incidents that occur outside their country.

Burger has 33 games on his plate this year, but will follow every other Super14 match.

“It will be nice to speak to the other guys. You have to stay on the same wavelength,” Burger said of his new job.

Locally this process will be welcomed. It is often said that South African players are often at the wrong end of the disciplinary processes.

The controversial citing of Springbok lock Bakkies Botha after last year’s second Test against the British and Irish Lions is a case in point.

Botha cleaned prop Adam Jones from a ruck, but was cited for reckless play.

Australia’s Matt Giteau then left Newlands without punishment in spite of a dangerous tackle on Fourie du Preez.

Chiefs loose forward Sione Lauaki also escaped punishment after a high tackle on Bryan Habana. The citing commissioner reported the incident too late.

“I believe this is a step in the right direction. We are professional and therefore have to be objective, fair and not allow ourselves to be influenced,” said Burger of the new system.