An Australian newspaper has awarded referee Craig Joubert man of the match honours after his controversial late decision helped the Wallabies overcome Scotland.

The South African referee drew widespread condemnation for his decision to sprint off the pitch moments after awarding a penalty against Scotland for accidental offside in the last minute of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Bernard Foley would convert that kick for a 35-34 win for Australia but it was the official, who also gave a controversial yellow card to winger Sean Maitland early in the second half, that drew praise in the Australian press.

News.com.au gave Joubert a nine out of ten rating, one point higher than game-winner Foley and the excellent Kurtley Beale, praising his “surprising turn of speed” as he ran off to the tunnel at the last minute.

They claimed Joubert had had “a fine match for the Wallabies” and had “produced the goods when it really mattered”.

this is brilliant # Scotland #Joubert Credit to the Australian press pic.twitter.com/gu0nSB2E5B — Kieran Hennigan (@Kieran_Hennigan) October 19, 2015

Former Scotland centre Gavin Hastings was far less impressed with the referee’s performance, telling BBC Radio his dash from the pitch was “the worst thing I have seen on a rugby field in a very long time.”

World Rugby are expected to comment further on Joubert’s performance today after they receive the referee’s report on the game.