The Queensland Reds Super 14 rugby side were made to pay dearly for their mistakes as the Bulls scored a 33-20 opening round victory at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The home side scored four tries to two but didn't have things all their own way in a match they only secured in the last 11 minutes.
Two soft Bulls tries either side of half-time were crucial in the wash-up after underdogs Queensland had overcome a slow start to hold a 6-3 lead and have the momentum late in the first half.