All in a day’s work

World Cup referee O’Brien ready for responsibility

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Posted: Thursday September 30, 1999 11:32 AM

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) -- While one or two match-wnners should grab the attention as Wales and Argentina clash in Friday's World Cup opener at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the man under the most scrutiny will probably be referee Paddy O'Brien.

But O'Brien, who described his appointment for the game as “the pinnacle of my career,” says he isn't overawed about doing his job in front of 72,500 screaming fans and an estimated television audience of 300 million.

“It's a responsibility which I'm quite happy to carry and it's a challenge I look forward to rather than worry about,” said the New Zealander.

Although, he'll be suffering the nerves just like the players.

“If you're not nervous looking at the stadium and the crowd, then you shouldn't be there,” he said. “But I've got to cope with that.”

“I'll go out there and referee in the right manner. Both coaches are well-known to me and they know my style. Paddy O'Brien won't change how he referees and hopefully both coaches will be happy with what they see.”

O'Brien said he'd play the advantage rule as often as possible and try to let the game flow.

“It isn't up to [referees] to tell teams how to play the game; they'll dictate how they play it. I just hope it lives up to the passion which I feel now. I can't wait,” he said.

Of the 16 referees officiating at the tournament, five are not full-time officials. Another 12 linesmen will also be involved in the cup.

Scotland's Jim Fleming and 1991 grand final referee Derek Bevan of Wales -- the only two to officiate at all four tournaments -- are among those who still combine their rugby union commitments with their work commitments and have taken leave for the World Cup.

Steve Grifiths, the International Rugby Board's manager for the tournament referees, said all selected officials were under instructions to be “unobtrusive and in the background, and let the players bond we have a festival of rugby.”

The other referees in the tournament are: Andrew Cole, Stuart Dickerson, Wayne Erickson and Peter Marshall of Australia; Brian Campsall, Ed Morrison and Chris White of England; Joel Dume of France; David McHugh of Ireland; Paul Honnis, O'Brien and Colin Hawke of New Zealand; Andre Watson of South Africa; and Clayton Thomas of Wales.

 

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