Carley was also referee when South Africa beat the All Blacks 35-7 in the lead-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he sent off Scott Barrett for a second yellow card offence. At the time that was the All Blacks’ worst loss in 131 years.
Scott Barrett receives a yellow card from referee Matthew Carley in a 2023 defeat to South Africa. Photo / Photosport
Amashukeli, meanwhile, was the referee of the last test between the two sides, South Africa’s record 43-10 victory in Wellington last year. The All Blacks have also lost to France (30-29) and Argentina (25-18) with Amashukeli in the middle.
Gardner has been in charge of 16 All Blacks tests, with 13 resulting in victories. Under Dickson, who was referee the last time the All Blacks beat South Africa, they have a perfect 5-0 record.
Meanwhile, several key Springboks have been named in the side for the first time this season for Sunday’s clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Captain Siya Kolisi, five-eighth Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and locking duo Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager have all been named in the side as part of 13 changes to the team that beat Wales last month.
Referee appointments for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour
Stormers v All Blacks: Karl Dickson
Sharks v All Blacks: Matthew Carley
Bulls v All Blacks: Nika Amashukeli
South Africa v All Blacks, test 1: Matthew Carley
Lions v All Blacks: Angus Gardner
South Africa v All Blacks, test 2: Nika Amashukeli
South Africa v All Blacks, test 3: Angus Gardner
South Africa v All Blacks, test 4: Karl Dickson
All Blacks v South Africa with Matthew Carley in charge
South Africa 18 All Blacks 12, Cape Town Stadium, 2024
South Africa 35 All Blacks 7, Twickenham, 2023
South Africa 31 All Blacks 29, Cbus Stadium, 2021
All Blacks v South Africa with Nika Amashukeli in charge
South Africa 43 All Blacks 10, Sky Stadium, 2025
All Blacks v South Africa with Angus Gardner in charge
South Africa 26 All Blacks 10, Mbombela Stadium, 2022
All Blacks 32 South Africa 30, Loftus Versfeld, 2018
All Blacks 41 South Africa 13, AMI Stadium, 2016
All Blacks v South Africa with Karl Dickson in charge
All Blacks 24 South Africa 17, Eden Park, 2025
– Stats from Rugby Database
Cameron McMillan has been a sports journalist since 2003 and is NZME’s Deputy Head of Sport.