Welshman Nigel Owens has been appointed referee for the All Blacks' World Cup quarter-final against Ireland on Saturday.
The 48-year-old veteran will take charge of proceedings at Tokyo Stadium, alongside France's Pascal Gauzere and Australia's Angus Gardner.
The selection was made on merit by World Rugby based on a full review of the 37 pool matches.
- RWC Power Rankings: Wales, Japan weather the storm
- Ireland lose star back for All Blacks quarter-final
- Hansen welcomes extended prep
Adjudicating at his fourth Rugby World Cup, Owens is the current world record holder for most test matches refereed.
He boasts a wealth of experience in the high-pressure stakes of World Cup knockout play, and oversaw the All Blacks' 2015 final triumph against Australia.
"To be honest, we're happy with whoever we get," All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster responded to the news of Owens' appointment.
"At this stage of the tournament I'm sure that World Rugby has worked hard to get the referees they believe are best suited for this stage of the knockouts.
"It's neither good or bad but he's obviously a great ref. I'm sure he'll be looking forward to the occasion."
Assigned to the remaining other quarter-finals are Jerome Garces (England v Australia), Jaco Peyper (Wales v France), and Wayne Barnes (Japan v South Africa).
New Zealand will be represented Ben Skeen (TMO for England v Australia), Paul Williams (assistant for Wales v France), and Ben O'Keeffe (assistant for Japan v South Africa).
Join us for live updates of all Rugby World Cup quarter-finals next weekend
Newshub.
