(1)  A judge may give any directions as to the further conduct of the action that may be necessary after the judge –

(a) orders that a defendant or plaintiff have leave, whether conditional or unconditional, to defend any action or counterclaim with respect to a claim or a part of a claim; or

(b) gives judgment for a plaintiff or defendant on a claim or a part of a claim and orders that execution of the judgment be stayed pending the trial of a counterclaim or of the action.

(2)  If the parties consent, a judge may direct that the claim in question and any other claim in the action be tried by a judge of an inferior court of civil jurisdiction.