Shaun Veldsman of Robertson in the Western Cape and Johann Meuwesen of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, both Test referees in their time, are now television match officials - TMOs. They are both on the International Rugby Board's panel of specialised TMOs and do top matches in many places, an interesting job as the only times they are called in are when decisions are difficult.
In this Q&A, Shaun asks Johann questions.
Shaun Veldsman: When did you start refereeing and where?
Johann Meuwesen (pictured): I refereed the odd game at Maties while studying, but officially started in 1989 when I joined the Namibia Referee Society.
Shaun Veldsman: How come that you ended up in Port Elizabeth??
Johann Meuwesen: I ran touch for South Africa vs /Argentina in 1994 in PE where I met up with the local referees. Jimmy Smith-Belton was the chairman of Eastern Province Refs then and he must have said a couple of good things about me to the headmaster of Otto du Plessis High School. Well, thirteen years on and I am still here.
Shaun Veldsman: Why TMO?
Johann Meuwesen: SA Rugby at that time thought that it was time for the introduction of specialised TMO's. I was at a stage of my career as referee where I had to decide where to go. André Watson approached me with his ideas on being a TMO and I didn't need any reason not accept.
Shaun Veldsman: Best rugby game ever involve in?
Johann Meuwesen: I was involved in a couple of crackers down the years. All the firsts will always be special, (Tests, Super 10, Super 12 Currie Cup, etc) but I recall a schools game back in 1990 in Harare. Even Zimbabwe's late Prime Minister, Ian Smith, congratulated the players of Prince Edward Harare and St George's School Harare after the game and named me the man of the match. Still proud on that one!
Shaun Veldsman: Best touring country/city?
Johann Meuwesen: Australia, with similar weather to ours, will always be high up on the list. But if on holiday away from rugby, you go to Namibia. Once a Suidwester always a Suidwester.
Shaun Veldsman: Droëwors or Biltong?
Johann Meuwesen: Refer to the previous answer. Definitely Biltong.
Shaun Veldsman: Ambassador or Referee?
Johan Meuwesen: A referee must always be an ambassador. Being retired now I will go for an ambassador who knows a bit about refereeing.
Shaun Veldsman: What do refs call you and why?
Johann Meuwesen: The senior guys (the ones who I refereed with, yes Paul Dobson included) call me Meerkat. Tappe thought there is quite a remarkable resemblance between me and the little predator from the Kalahari. Sorry to the junior guys, pick on your own size.
Shaun Veldsman: Most difficult decision?
Johann Meuwesen: When I've packed my bags for PE in 1996. But it was also my best decision, never looked back. I was blessed.
Shaun Veldsman: Whisky or Coffee?
Johann Meuwesen: Always coffee, I'm a bit of an addict. But I will compromise and settle for Irish Coffee.
Shaun Veldsman: What do kids call you at school?
Johann Meuwesen: It is still inconclusive to me on what they are calling me. Some of them will call time out and make a square box without saying anything.
Shaun Veldsman: Ever been sorry that you became a specialised TMO?
Johann Meuwesen: I've had a great career as referee. There were truly unbelievable moments and ones that I will cherish forever. Surely almost all off them not to be sorry about. I've started with a next career in refereeing as a TMO. New challenges and opportunities present themselves and I must be ready for the task at hand. I'm still as excited before every game as I was as a referee and looking forward to the rest of the season. Now I can take part in the game with a cup of coffee next to me. Who wants to be sorry?