White applauds referee Ridley after Bayonne win

IT’S not often that a rugby coach dishes out compliments to a referee, but that’s exactly what Bulls boss Jake White did following their 32-22 Challenge Cup last-16 victory over Bayonne in France on Saturday.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

Bulls scored four tries at the Stade Jean Dauger to advance to Satur-day’s quarter-final against Edinburgh (who beat Racing 34-24) – in Scotland at 12.30pm SA time).

And while 31-year-old English referee Christophe Ridley dished out a yellow card to Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe for a high tackle on Bayonne wing Joe Ravouvou – which looked a bit harsh – White had no complaints.

“Referees are criticised so much, but I tell you what I really enjoyed today; that referee refed like a test referee,” the former Springbok coach said.

“He wants to be into all of the things that he could’ve been sucked into. I just want to say that when you are the selector of the world, pick up the whole lot. He is very confident and intimidating for a referee to listen to all that and still be even-minded.

“As a coach, we always begrudge the referee and find ways to (talk about) when the referee makes calls or doesn’t make calls. But I’ve got to say, I thought today, he was outstanding. It’s the same referee who had us here when we beat Colomiers, but it’s not the same story.”