Jake insists it's about adapting but 'common sense' lacking as refs hamper SA's URC drive

While Jake White insists that the Bulls - and by extension the rest of SA's United Rugby Championship franchises - will simply have to continue adapting to different refereeing interpretations in the tournament, Saturday's Jukskei derby suggested local arbiters aren't really helping in that regard.

Without directly referring to Aimee Barrett-Theron and her assistants, the Bulls' director of rugby pointed out several instances where the sheer differences in adjudicating certain decisions are "frustrating" local sides.

More importantly, such decisions aren't assisting them in coping with the far stricter outlook of refereeing in the northern hemisphere.

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In one instance, Lions tighthead Carlu Sadie came in off his feet at a breakdown with a shoulder charge that hit Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar in his shoulder without any arms.

After consultation with the TMO, Barrett-Theron decided against showing Sadie a yellow card, a move that's her right yet would've undoubtedly been a sin-binning in the UK and Ireland.

The incident, however, that "confused" White the most was the penalty awarded against centre Harold Vorster in the second half for what was a pretty clear cut case of obstruction by his Lions counterpart Manny Rass.

"The fact of the matter is that we're going to have to be good enough to adapt every time. You can't cry over spilled milk," said White.

"But the reality is, there's a kick into the in-goal area. Harold is about to run in and score. The player (Rass) runs into the pole, bounces off and runs into Harold's way when he's on his way to the ball and gets penalised.

"My point is: where is Harold supposed to go? If he'd run that