The Vodacom Bulls scored five converted tries but were pushed all the way before claiming a 41-35 win over the Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday.
The win sees the Bulls move to the top of the overall log, with the Chiefs yet to play this weekend, but it wasn't without fault, reports SuperSport.com
Most worrying for the Pretoria outfit would be their leaky defence, having also conceded five tries. It was the result of a defensive system that relied on going high into the tackle and trying to keep the ball off the ground. All it succeeded in doing was to create go-forward ball, and they nearly paid the price for it.
With ball in hand it went much better, and the excellent form of Springbok fly half Morné Steyn would have caught the eye of even the biggest detractor.
Other players that stood out for the visitors were scrumhalf Francois Hougaard, wing Bjorn Basson and flank CJ Stander.
The Bulls next fixture is against the Waratahs in Sydney next Friday.
SCORERS
Vodacom Bulls – Tries: Akona Ndungane, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, CJ Stander, JJ Engelbrecht. Conversions: Steyn (5). Penalties: Steyn (2).
Melbourne Rebels – Tries: Rodney Blake, Cooper Vuna (2), Nick Phibbs, Gareth Delve. Conversions: Kurtley Beale (5).