Who do we think the top 4 referees are that are likely to get quarter finals?
Owens, Joubert, Peyper and Barnes or Poite seem most likely to me.
Barnes is the only neutral ref available this weekend, but Peyper, Owens and Joubert can't do the Springboks Wales game, and obviously Poite is out too for our game.
I'm picking the Barnes won't be doing the ABs, even though I would be quite happy with him. He is not the ref he was in 2007. I'm thinking Peyper. We have had enough games with Joubert and Owens. Though maybe if they regard the NZ game as the main event we will get Owens.
My picks. Wonder if TAB has odds on it.
Barnes - South Africa Wales
Peyper - NZ France
Owens - Scotland Australia
Poite/Joubert - Ireland Argentina
I think Poite has the edge over Joubert.