HSBC Sevens World Series
Blitzboks receive referee apology for Wellington Sevens blunders
AAP
February 4, 2016
© Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

New Zealand-born referee Matt O'Brien has reportedly apologised to the South African team for his contentious performance in the final of the Wellington Sevens.

The All Blacks Sevens won a thrilling finish to the HSBC Sevens World Series event on Sunday, scoring three tries in the last four minutes to defeat the Blitzboks 24-21.

Australian whistler O'Brien was criticised in some quarters for his performance, having awarded New Zealand nine penalties to one, with several pivotal decisions going the way of the hosts over the closing stages.

South Africa coach Neil Powell says he met an apologetic O'Brien on Wednesday in Sydney, where the teams are preparing for the fourth round of the World Series.

They went over the second half of the game together on video.

"He explained his decisions, it was really honest and open," Powell told website supersport.co.za.

"I think he realised at times he had made big mistakes. I think his apologies were sincere."

Powell says he accepted O'Brien's contrition and that he and his team have moved on.

"I'm obviously still disappointed with what happened and I'm not a guy for records but it would have been nice to win it, because we've only won Wellington once before."

O'Brien is in his fifth season officiating on the World Series circuit.

He is the son of former New Zealand international referee Paddy O'Brien, who is now World Rugby's sevens referee boss.

© AAP

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