The Wallabies may have quietly fist-pumped each other after French referee Jerome Garces was named to control their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England.
Garces was in charge when Michael Cheika’s team unleashed comfortably their best performances this year – and arguably of the past four years – when they crushed the All Blacks in Perth two months ago.
The record-breaking 47-26 win was notable for the Frenchman dishing out just four penalties against the Wallabies, the lowest tally they had conceded in eight years.
New Zealand were penalised eight times, including the red card to All Blacks lock Scott Barrett that helped swing control firmly in Australia’s favour.
Cheika has been calling for his team to win the penalty count throughout the tournament and will hope an affinity with Garces can aid them at Oita on Saturday.
The French whistle-blower was widely praised for his handling of the blockbuster opening weekend clash between the All Blacks and Springboks.
Australia may be less enamoured with appointment of Kiwi Ben Skeen as the television match official.
Skeen had that role during the pool loss to Wales and stopped play several times to adjudicate deliberately on contentious issues, including the penalty against Samu Kerevi for leading with his forearm.
World Rugby announced experienced match officials for all the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Welshman Nigel Owen will control New Zealand against Ireland, South African Jaco Peyper has the whistle for Wales against France while England’s Wayne Barnes takes charge of Japan against South Africa.