The Independent's Peter Bills believes the International Rugby Board should be praised for punishing sub-standard refereeing.
"Some of the game’s authorities may still appear mired in the 19th century, but for the referees, the reality of a modern day professional sport has arrived with a rude shock.
"Take the South African refereeing duo, Marius Jonker and Mark Lawrence who took charge of internationals in the recently completed autumn Test series. Both have been axed from the world referees’ panel for the 6 Nations Championship in the New Year.
"The duo, heavily criticised for poor performances in the November Tests, have not even been chosen as assistant referees for the 15-match programme starting in February.
"Fellow South African officials Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan are included, Joubert’s two games against one for Kaplan confirming him as that country’s top referee heading into World Cup year.
"...But for the South Africans Lawrence and Jonker, there is only the reality that they have been left out in the cold. And their chances of officiating at the World Cup have clearly been damaged."
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