Jake White calls for more consistent reffing in URC SF: 'I hope they will allows us to win'

Bulls director of rugby Jake White hopes that next week's referee for their United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against Leinster in Dublin on Friday will be kinder to his team.

The Bulls, through an 84th-minute Chris Smith drop-goal, beat the Sharks 30-27 in their quarter-final clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Welsh referee Andrew Brace was in charge of the game, and while there wasn't a major incorrect decision, his officiating was inconsistent.

White, though, felt sorry for Brace and match officials in general, saying they're human and they'll succumb to the pressure of having to deal with fiery home crowds.

"If we were in the same situation in Durban, we would have felt the same pressure," White said.

"That's why getting a home play-off is important and it's no different to any other sport where there's the crowd, there's going to be pressure.

"There's going to be pressure on the officiating because that's going to play on their mind. It's a normal human reaction.

"I'm just hoping that next week, they'll allow the away team to win."

However, there was nothing illegal with how the Bulls built up to their drop goal, with the home team persevering with phase-play before Smith settled the game with the three-pointer.

White accepted the win but admitted to being taken aback by Smith's choice of action after Cornal Hendricks's 50th-minute try was scored from a similar position.

White also thought of replacing Smith with the experienced Morne Steyn, but Smith's calm under pressure vindicated his decision to keep him on the field.

"I didn't think they would drop-kick. I thought they would score. In a couple of phases before, we were in the same place, we went out at the back and Cornal scored," White said.

"They obviously