The Springboks aren’t too fazed about the appointment of Ben O’Keeffe for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England in Paris.

The New Zealander took charge of the quarter-final between South Africa and the host nation France on the weekend, which was won 29-28 by the Springboks.

It will however be the third time at the World Cup and the fourth time this year that O’Keeffe officiates a Springbok Test.

Following the win against Les Blues, the Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, lauded O’Keeffe’s performance with the whistle.

Ben O'Keeffe - Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

The Springbok Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said it does give them a better understanding of how the game will be officiated on the weekend.

“We had Jerome Garces in the opening game against New Zealand, which we lost, from where we had him again in the semi-final against Wales and the final against England.

“It's not that unique because we've also had Ben against Australia and in the loss against Ireland, so we've won and lost some with him as ref.

“I guess it's good to have a referee you've had before.”

The Springboks will name their team for the big semi-final against the English tomorrow, while Saturday’s quarter-final at Stade de France kicks off at 21:00.

The Haka - RWC

Meanwhile, across town in Paris, the three-time champions, the All Blacks are preparing for their semi-final against the Los Pumas of Argentina.

The Pumas, who have finished third at the World Cup before, will be targeting just their third win against the All Blacks.

Last year the Argentines recorded an historic 25-18 win over the All Blacks in Christchurch, and this will give them a lot of confidence.

The All Blacks were however a beast of a different nature on Saturday as they ended Ireland’s unbeaten streak with a 28-24 win in the quarter-finals.

The All Blacks had a slow start to the tournament, but now they are looking like favourites to claim a record fourth Rugby World Cup title.

The All Blacks assistant coach, Jason Ryan, said they will be tested on Friday evening and they will be sure to do their homework properly.

“The last time we played them they put a lot of work into their defence and to slow our ball down. We'll make sure we readdress that and not assume anything.

“In finals, you build those weeks to be at your best mentally and physically at the end of the week. That will be a big part of how we prepare this week.”

Friday’s quarter-final between New Zealand and Argentina in Saint-Denis will kick-off at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport