Rising Australian official Angus Gardner has been handed the plum appointment of refereeing the Super Rugby final.
Gardener's performances through the season and his communication skills have earned widespread praise from players and head coaches, with the latter having input into referee selections for the finals series.
The 33-year-old official made his debut at Super Rugby level in 2012 and has controlled 60 matches - 13 of them this year.
Gardner handled his first Test in 2016 and has been appointed to control 13 internationals.
The other match officials for the Super final on Saturday, August 4 will be announced next week after the completion of the semi-finals.
The NSW Waratahs, Australia's remaining representatives, play South Africa's Lions in Johannesburg while defending champions the Crusaders host domestic rivals the Hurricanes, in an all-New Zealand contest in Christchurch earlier on Saturday.