The Bulls dominated the first half, depsite losing Zane Kirchner and Derick Kuun to yellow cards, and the hosts were had built an 18-10 lead at the break.

JP Nel opened the scoring for the Bulls when he dived over after just four minutes and they stretched their lead a few minutes later when Morné Steyn landed a penalty from within his own half.

Kirchner received his yellow card midway through the half for a dangerous tackle but they refused to panic and although Alister Campbell scored for the Brumbies shortly after, the Bulls answered with a try of their own through Wikus van Heerden, who had an impressive game at flank.

Kirchner was only back on the field for two minutes when the referee gave Kuün a yellow card for a professional foul and Stirling Mortlock accepted the opportunity to close the gap with a penalty.

But the Bulls defended well before half time and Steyn managed to cancel out that score to leave the Bulls in control as the sides went into the break.

Steyn stretched his side's lead with another penalty before Wynand Olivier scored the Bulls' third try as the game approached the hour mark.

The centre threw a brilliant dummy and quick burst of speed to notch the score that was converted by Steyn to take his team into a 28-10 lead.

Olivier's try appeared to have sealed the match for the Bulls and with the fresh legs of Jaco Engels, Danie Rossouw and Pedrie Wannenburg to see the match out in the last quarter the visitors never really looked like they could conjure an unexpected comeback.

However they were rewarded for their endeavours when Peter Kimlin barged over for a late score that was converted by Mortlock.

Bulls (18) 28
Tries: Van Heerden, Olivier, Nel
Con: M Steyn (2)
Pen: M Steyn (3)

Brumbies (10) 17
Tries: Campbell, Kimlin
Con: Mortlock (2)
Pen: Mortlock

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez (captain), Pierre Spies, Wikus van Heerden, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Bandise Maku, Rayno Gerber, Jaco Engels, Danie Rossouw, Francois Hougaard, Burton Francis, Pedrie Wannenburg.

Brumbies: Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Tyrone Smith, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Alister Campbell, Guy Shepherdson, John Ulugia, Nic Henderson. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Francis Fainifo