The referee of the Tri-Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban was forced off the field with a suspected injured shoulder after he was tackled by a spectator. Early in the second half a burly man, wearing a replica Springbok shirt, crashed into Ireland's David McHugh and forced him to the ground, dislocating the referee's shoulder.

New Zealand's Richard McCaw appeared to punch the unwanted tackler as players from both sides piled in. After medical treatment McHugh was replaced by touch judge Chris White. The spectator, who has not been identified, was arrested.