England coach Tony Smith demands European referee for World Cup semifinal

Tony Smith has called for an English or French referee to be appointed for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Brisbane. By David Burke on the Gold Coast Fighting for survival: England face New Zealand in crunch battle Photo: PA Tony Smith has called for an English or French referee to be appointed for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Brisbane. The England coach is certain to be branded a "whingeing Pom" by the Australian press after claims that three New Zealand tries should not have been allowed by Tony Archer in Saturday's 36-24 defeat in their final Pool One game. Smith was also upset at the late penalty, awarded against Kevin Sinfield for an obstruction on Luke Isaac, which enabled the Kiwis to take the lead for the first time. Three of the seven World Cup referees are Australian... [read full story]