The Bulls fielded a new-look team against fellow South African side the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld, but it was old hand Morne Steyn who kicked them to an 18-13 Super Rugby victory.
The Springbok first five recovered from two penalty misses in a point-less first half to slot five after the break and land a drop goal before a sell-out crowd of 50,000.
The Sharks number 10 Patrick Lambie also failed with two first-half attempts at the posts before kicking two and converting a try from flank Jacques Botes which set up a tense finish in perfect conditions.
