Ben O’Keeffe will remember his 2023 World Cup for a long time. A week after the immense shock lost by the XV of France against South Africa (28-29), during which his refereeing raised questions, the New Zealander was booed by a large part of the public present this Saturday evening at the Stade de France for the second semi-final between England and South Africa. A bronca which lasted two to three minutes when he entered for his warm-up and which continued during his physical exercises, in particular the sprints along the touchline.
Heavily criticized in the French media and on social networks, Ben O’Keeffe was therefore able to test his popularity rating in the real world. The stands of the Stade de France are mainly occupied by supporters of Antoine Dupont’s gang, who were all expecting to experience another meeting in this World Cup.
The whistles calmed down after this introduction… before starting again with the announcement of his name after the team compositions. A much stronger bronca than the first. French fans also whistled Springboks Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth. For this semi-final, Ben O’Keeffe is accompanied by Frenchman Mathieu Raynal as assistant. The second assistant being his compatriot Paul Williams. The video assistant referee is also New Zealander Brendon Pickerill.
