Looks like the weather will be windy on Saturday so it should suit the Crusaders. Best price around is a $1.55 at several joints. Best I've seen the Brumbies is $2.70. Andre Watson has had control of two finals and the away teams have won both. Here is an interview with him from Planet Rugby:Referee Watson excited about the Super 12 Final 22/05/02
Not just 'another' Final
Just before he left on the long journey from Johannesburg to Christchurch to referee the Final of the 2002 Super 12, Andre Watson spoke to Planet Rugby.
"I think it's going to be a cracker. The Brumbies are back on form and the Crusaders have had a wonderful year," the experienced referee said.
We spoke about the pressures on a referee and the possibility of d?j?-vu. After all Watson has already refereed a World Cup Final, two Super 12 Finals and five successive Currie Cup Finals - obviously the man for Finals.
There are obvious pressures on any referee, as on any player, at match time. The bigger the match, the more the pressure, the desire to do well, the anxiety about a possible error. It's part of the excitement of the build-up.
"There has not been much criticism of referees this year. That's not surprising as I think the level of refereeing in the Super 12 has generally been better this year.
"In a way that puts even more pressure on me as a referee. I don't want to let the side down.
"I don't want to be fancy in my refereeing. I don't want to stifle the players' talents but at the same time I don't want just to let things go.
"I would like the teams to decide who wins or loses and how good the game is, rather than anything I do."
Watch Watson, and you will see that that is how he referees - no nonsense, just a brisk, get-on-with-it manner.
But, just at this time in rugby relations between Australia and New Zealand, there is a little bit extra - even something more than just a Final.
"There is a bit more needle this time. You have had the whole Super 14 argument and then the controversy about New Zealand's participation in the World Cup. There can be an I'll-show-you attitude."
It's good to be aware of that and the way people on both sides will use it to put a bit more pressure on a referee, even if only by making him more sympathetic.
But Watson knows all about that as well. He also knows all about crowd pressure. Anybody who has refereed a Super 12 Final at Carisbrook in Dunedin will know that. Watson did that in 1999 - and the Highlanders lost. Imagine refereeing such a match at the House of Pain. You then know about pressure.
But then there was pressure, too, in 2000 when he was again the referee and again the visiting team won, this time when Andrew Mehrtens kicked a last-minute penalty. Imagine the crowd at vociferous Bruce Stadium, as it then was, in Canberra.
"I have refereed a Super 12 Final involving two New Zealand teams in New Zealand and a Final involving a New Zealand team and an Australian team in Australia. This is the first time I'll be refereeing a final between a New Zealand team and an Australian team in New Zealand.
"I reckon the New Zealand spectators are the most knowledgeable of all. They support their teams but they also understand what the referee is doing.
"It's going to be wonderful to referee at a full Jade Stadium in front of a knowledgeable New Zealand crowd."
And the matter of d?j?-vu?
"People ask me if it isn't old hat. The answer is No - a big No. It's my first Final this year and it's a huge one.
"Having refereed previous Finals gives you confidence but that's all. I'm already excited and it's only Monday."
"I am also aware that I represent South African referees. If I stuff up, people will say: 'Look at that South African referee.' I fly South Africa's flag more than an individual flag. I am lucky I have a strong support team. I have confidence in them and they give me confidence."
