England’s Karl Dickson came in for severe criticism from Springbok fans and commentators following his performance in the Rugby Championship Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.
Dickson, 43, made some questionable decisions – to put it mildly – during the 80 minutes at Eden Park which saw the All Blacks run out 24-17 winners.
Post-match, SuperSport commentators Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Breyton Paulse, all raised questions as to some of the decisions made by the match official.
Dickson was assisted by Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) and Jordan Way (Australia).
Australia’s Brett Cronan was the TMO, while France’s Eric Gauzins ws the Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO).
Springboks’ Test record under Karl Dickson
Dickson has now refereed the Springboks on four occasions
South Africa beat Argentina and Wales with him in charge, but lost to Ireland in Durban last July and now the All Blacks.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
| 21 Aug 2021 | Argentina | Won 29-10 | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth |
| 13 Jul 2024 | Ireland | Lost 25-24 | Kings Park, Durban |
| 23 Nov 2024 | Wales | Won 45-12 | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |
| 6 Sept 2025 | New Zealand | Lost 24-17 | Eden Park, Auckland |
Springboks’ 2025 Rugby Championship fixtures and results
16 August: South Africa vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – LOST 38-22
23 August: South Africa vs Australia, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – WON 28-20
6 September: New Zealand vs South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland – LOST 24-17
13 September: New Zealand vs South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington – 09:05
27 September: South Africa vs Argentina, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – 17:10
4 October: Argentina vs South Africa, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London – 15:00
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