'O'Keeffe has been one of the best referees I've had to deal with' - Stuart Hogg

July 30, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Ben O'Keefe referees the second test between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions on Saturday. The New Zealander was widely commented on during the Lions press conference on Friday following Rassie Erasmus' hour-long video, where he criticised the performance of Nic Berry in the first test.

During the press conference, The British & Irish Lions said that they were assured by O’Keeffe that Rassie Erasmus’ criticisms will not affect his decision-making on Saturday.

Stuart Hogg spoke about O'Keeffe in high regard during the press conference saying:

'In the short time, I've been Scotland captain Ben O'Keeffe has been one of the best referees I've had to deal with. He almost coaches you round the field at the same time. When we ask questions he's very calm in his answers and is good at communicating.

'That's a reason why a large majority of his games when he's involved are allowed to flow, you're allowed to get on with it, and he helped me massively in the couple of games we've had him when I've been leading the side.

'Everyone is entitled to the opinion of referees, but they have a huge amount of respect from us as players. I'd hate to do the job if I'm honest!

'But Ben O'Keeffe has been one of the best referees I've had the opportunity to deal with as captain.'

Lions forwards coach Robin McBryde added that he is not worried that Erasmus' criticisms will affect O'Keeffe on Saturday.

'He is professional enough,' said McBryde.

'We are all professional enough. If I was on social media looking for things I could find them. I am not on social media, it's a different world to me so it's there why go looking forward to it.

'It's just that it has been highlighted this week and brought to everybody's attention but we know it's there. Let's just get on with it.'