diff --git a/TarSCM/scm/git.py b/TarSCM/scm/git.py
index 87bdfdb6..40ae1e00 100644
--- a/TarSCM/scm/git.py
+++ b/TarSCM/scm/git.py
@@ -421,7 +421,7 @@ def prepare_working_copy(self):
         use_reference = True
 
         try:
-            if self.args.package_meta:
+            if (self.args.package_meta and not self.partial_clone):
                 logging.info("Not using '--reference'")
                 use_reference = False
         except KeyError: