Australia rugby great David Campese has slammed the standard of refereeing at the Rugby World Cup, saying the referees are there to ref, not for the world to watch the ref.

With New Zealand's Bryce Lawrence facing an online petition calling for him never to ref again after his controversial handling of Australia's 11-9 quarter final win over South Africa last weekend, Campese said teams at the tournament were being forced to play the referee.

This Sunday sees New Zealand play Australia in a World Cup semi final, with one of the key confrontations set to be the battle of the open sides between All Black captain Richie McCaw and Wallaby flanker David Pocock.

Lawrence was widely criticized for letting Pocock do as he pleased at the breakdown against the Springboks and Campese said whoever came out best on Sunday would be down to the whistle blower.

Campese added there was no consistency in the control of scrums and breakdowns.

Meanwhile Campese urged the Wallabies to turn up and play in a bid to end their Eden Park hoodoo this weekend.

Australia have not won at the Auckland ground since 1986, when wing Campese scored a try in a 22-9 victory over New Zealand.

The first semifinal of the Rugby World cup tomorrow at 8pm will see France meet Wales and at 8pm Sunday the All Blacks meet the Wallabies and the live commentary of both matches can be heard on our sister station, Viti FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.
 
Story by: Dhanjay Deo