REFEREE Jaco Peyper has been forced off during Wales’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
The 43-year-old appeared to clutch his hamstring as he trudged off in the 15th minute.
Jaco Peyper was forced off through injury
Peyper, 43, winced in pain
Wales were already leading 7-0 courtesy of Dan Biggar’s converted try when Peyper’s injury occurred.
He was replaced in the middle by English official Karl Dickson.
The occasion marks Dickson’s first World Cup quarter-final.
Fans were left feeling sympathy for South African Peyper.
One wrote on Twitter: “I really like Jaco Peyper. That’s harsh on him, poor f***er.
“But Karl D is a super referee as well so shouldn’t affect this game at all in any poor way.”
A second tweeted: “Most surprising substitution of the World Cup with referee Jaco Peyper being replaced by Karl Dickson after suffering an injury.
“Shame to lose a world class ref but big chance for Dickson.”
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A third wrote: “So unfortunate for Jaco Peyper! I like him tons. Get better!”
And another added: “Shame about Jaco Peyper, he’s one of the best refs in the game.”
The match was the fourth officiated by Peyper during this year’s World Cup.
He was also in charge of France’s victory over New Zealand in the tournament’s opening game.
While he was the man in the middle for England’s drubbing of Chile and Japan’s victory over Samoa.
PAPeyper was forced off with injury[/caption]