Kaplan 'over the moon' to ref final

Jonathan Kaplan will referee his third Currie Cup final when he takes charge of Saturday's clash between the Cheetahs and Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein.

"I'm over the moon. I will referee it as if it's my biggest game. There is no greater buzz than refereeing the best in your own country in the best domestic competition," Kaplan said on Monday.

He has refereed some major internationals, but cherishes the Currie Cup in the same way that South African players do.

"The Currie Cup is right up there. It means a hell of a lot. I can't tell you how happy I am just to be involved," he said.

"There has been plenty of exciting talent that has come throught in this year's competition. Whether these players can take the step up to the next level is a moot point, but it's there for the taking."

Kaplan's first final was in 2002 when the Bulls beat the Lions at Ellis Park. He was also the man in the middle last year when the Cheetahs upset the Bulls 29-25 in Pretoria.

This week's replay has been billed as a "revenge" game for the Bulls, but Kaplan cautioned both sides against taking negative energy into the game.

"If they focus on their skills rather than take a grudge into the game, it will be a great fixture," he said.

Marius Jonker and JC Fortuin, who were in charge of the weekend's semifinals, will run touch.

Both have had good seasons, but one can't help but feel for Craig Joubert and Mark Lawrence, who will be disappointed at missing out on the spectacle.

Nevertheless, it's a healthy situation for South Africa to be in to have a number of highly competent match officials. They certainly put Sanzar partners Australia and New Zealand to shame.

Kaplan will also be one of the front-runners to referee next year's World Cup final, depending on which teams advance.

Andre Watson, who is now in charge of SA Rugby's referees department, was the man in the middle for both the 1999 and 2003 finals.