The Chiefs won the New Zealand Conference and eliminated the Crusaders in their semi-final on Friday, while The Sharks, one of the three wild-card teams in the Finals Series, were too strong for the South African Conference winners, the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Final will take place on Saturday, 4 August at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. Kick-off is at 09h35 (SA time).

“Steve thoroughly deserves this appointment to the Final, having been arguably our most consistent performer in the middle, throughout this competition,” SANZAR Game Manager Lyndon Bray said.

“Steve is in great form and he will contribute to what should be an outstanding Final.”

Bray commented that it is always a proud moment for an official to represent the referee team in a Final. Walsh also refereed the 2007 Vodacom Super 14 final between The Sharks and the Vodacom Bulls in Durban.

Referee appointments for the 2012 Vodacom Super Rugby Final:

Chiefs v The Sharks
Saturday, 4 August, 2012
Kick-off: 19h35 (local time), 09h35 (SA time)
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand
Referee: Steve Walsh (Aus)
Assistant Referees: Craig Joubert (SA), Keith Brown (NZ)
TMO: Garratt Williamson