Morne Steyn kicked 26 points as the Bulls beat Brumbies 36-34 in Super Rugby on Saturday despite being outscored five tries to two.

Steyn landed eight from 10 place kicks and a drop goal at Loftus Versfeld as the Bulls only just held on against former Springboks coach Jake White’s new team.

The Australian side scored two early tries in three minutes through winger Henry Speight and fullback Jesse Mogg to raise hopes of a winning return to South Africa for White.

But Steyn’s boot was the difference as the Bulls opened a 33-13 lead after 60 minutes. Bjorn Basson and flanker CJ Stander went over for the home team.

The Brumbies launched a stirring late charge that earned them two bonus points when centre Andrew Smith and replacements Ian Prior and Anthony Hegarty touched down.