Springboks Morne Steyn and Fourie du Preez played crucial roles as the Blue Bulls held off a fiery Free State Cheetahs comeback to win the Currie Cup final 36-24.
First-five Steyn, the deadliest goal kicker in southern hemisphere rugby union this year, missed just one of eight shots at the posts as he contributed 21 points at Loftus Versfeld, including a trademark drop goal.
Du Preez, widely rated the best halfback in the world, created the three Bulls tries scored by wings Bryan Habana, who dotted down twice in his final appearance for the Pretoria side, and Francois Hougaard.
Success in the South African inter-provincial championship final completed a memorable year for the Bulls, who trounced the Chiefs at the same venue this year in the Super 14 final.
