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DURBAN - It's Australia's most entertaining contribution to the Super 14 rugby semifinals this weekend -- David Nucifora versus Stuart Dickinson.
Blues coach Nucifora was positively glowing today about the appointment of No 1 Australian referee Dickinson to control their semifinal against the Sharks at Absa Stadium on Sunday morning (NZ time).
It was far cry from the furious figure who sought out and confronted Dickinson at halftime when the two teams last met at North Harbour Stadium four weeks ago.
The Sharks emerged 32-25 winners and Nucifora was still steaming later, critical of their uncensured off-the-ball tactics. He also called for referees to be more accountable for their mistakes.
A smiling Nucifora has clearly cooled since that wet evening which produced a result pivotal to the final standings.
"We're all on the same page now, good mates," the former Wallabies hooker said of Dickinson.
"I'm happy with him, he's an experienced referee and he'll call things as he sees it."
Nucifora's true feelings possibly seeped out when asked if Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was right to call for the best -- rather than neutral -- officials for Super 14 playoff games.
"I'd probably agree with him but those decisions have been made..."
The performance of Australian referees has come under the spotlight as the competition nears an end.
Dickinson is the only Australian whistler named to officiate at this year's World Cup yet compatriot Matt Goddard has been deemed good enough to control Sunday's other semifinal between the Crusaders and Bulls at Pretoria.
Touch judge James Leckie made a dreadful blunder when Blues hooker Keven Mealamu scored a try off a quick throw-in with the wrong ball against the Western Force last weekend. Yet Leckie is back running the Blues' touchline again this weekend.
Nucifora said he won't bother speaking to Dickinson this week, believing the Blues now had a good grasp on his methods.
He controlled their game against the Bulls two weeks ago, handing a rash of penalties to the Blues in the first 10 minutes. The offending rate evened out as the match wore on and the Bulls roared to a 40-19 win.
"I've spoken to Stuart at length after both games and we've got a pretty good understanding of the way he sees things."
If there is a continuation of the Sharks' perceived obstruction illegalities on Sunday, Nucifora won't be relying on referee intervention.
"If you can't beat it, join it mate. Get into it."
Blues captain Troy Flavell's task will be to stress discipline from his side.
They were guilty of relentless backchat towards Dickinson a month ago, with another Australian by birth, halfback Steve Devine, prominent. Second five-eighth Sam Tuitupou was sinbinned for punching lock Johan Ackermann.
Flavell said his teammates would be a more focused group this weekend.
"You haven't got much control over that (referee). You just have to roll with his decisions, you can't change anything so you just get on with it," he said.
Meanwhile, Devine ran freely at training today, indicating he would be fit to start after receiving a knee to the back late in last Friday's win over the Western Force.
The replacement for injured duo Luke McAlister and Tuitupou at second five-eighth was no clearer courtesy of Nucifora's comments on the issue.
"We've got a lot of guys who can play different positions so we've got some variables there."
Elusive centre/wing Anthony Tuitavake could have the inside running as Nucifora may prefer to keep first five-eighth Isa Nacewa and centre Isaia Toeava in the jerseys they have worn for most of this season.
The team are named tomorrow night (NZ time).
- NZPA
