South African Craig Joubert has replaced compatriot Mark Lawrence as referee for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby Test between the Wallabies and All Blacks in Auckland.

The International Rugby Board announced that Lawrence had withdrawn for personal reasons.

Marius Jonker will fill the touch judge role previously occupied by Joubert while New Zealander Vinny Munro is now the Television Match Official.

Joubert was referee when Australia thrashed the All Blacks 34-19 in Sydney last year.

Meanwhile, French referee Joel Jutge has announced his retirement from international rugby because of a persistent knee injury.

The last of Jutge's 35 Tests in charge was the 2007 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Scotland.

He controlled seven All Blacks Tests.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP