News:English referee Wayne Barnes made three errors in the final 15 minutes of New Zealand's World Cup quarter-final defeat against France, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has said.

Barnes was criticised by New Zealand rugby chiefs and the country's media and has been subjected to personal abuse from fans on the internet after the All Blacks lost 20-18 to France in Cardiff.

IRB chief referee Paddy O'Brien said the match video had been reviewed by the referees' selection panel and concluded mistakes were made, although Barnes could not be blamed for New Zealand's defeat. "Wayne's performance has been scrutinised by the four selectors and myself," O'Brien said. "While mistakes were made, he cannot be held responsible for New Zealand's defeat.

"I think there were a lot of factors involved in New Zealand not winning that game and one of them was some issues with refereeing and touch-judging -- and we've always said that -- but to blame him for the loss is completely wrong."

Barnes missed a forward pass in the lead-up to France's second try and also should have awarded the All Blacks two late penalties, O'Brien said.

"There was clearly the forward pass that was missed by all three officials and the referee must take responsibility for that.

"There were two calls, one with a hand in the ruck and one with offside at a ruck in the last 10 minutes, which the touch-judge should have given him."

Meanwhile, English referee Tony Spreadbury yesterday announced his retirement from the Test arena.

Spreadbury, who combined refereeing with his work as a paramedic, will continue to officiate in the English Premiership. Spreadbury has refereed 41 Test matches since 1990 and his last match was South Africa against the USA.