Kiwi ref Ben O'Keeffe again on the whistle for Springboks' Rugby World Cup semi-final

New Zealand's Ben O'Keeffe will again be in charge of the whistle when the Springboks tackle England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals at the Stade de France on Saturday (21:00).

O'Keeffe, who also refereed South Africa's 29-28 quarter-final win over France, will be assisted by compatriot Paul Williams and Ireland's Andrew Brace, with Kiwi Brendon Pickerell the television match official (TMO).

It will be O'Keeffe's second South Africa-England Test, having been in charge of the Boks' thrilling 42-39 win at Ellis Park in 2018.

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Meanwhile, Australia's Angus Gardner will referee the other semi-final between New Zealand and Argentina on Friday - also at the Stade de France at 21:00.

Gardner will be assisted by compatriot Nic Berry and England's Karl Dickson, with Wales' Ben Whitehouse the TMO.

The referee selection is based on merit and World Rugby confirmed that the wider team will remain in contention for the World Cup's bronze final and final matches.

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World Rugby also confirmed that South Africa's Jaco Peyper wasn't considered, owing to a calf injury sustained during the quarter-final between Wales and Argentina in Marseille.

"Congratulations to all selected. This is a team effort, and the selection reflects the hard work of the group as a whole, and the encouragement and support they give each other," World Rugby High Performance 15s Match Officials Manager Joel Jutge said.

"I would also like to pay tribute to Jaco Peyper, who has been ruled out through injury. He would have been in contention. We wish him a speedy recovery."