Discipline proved costly for the NSW Waratahs who produced some magical moments but suffered a 30-19 Super Rugby loss to the Bulls in Pretoria early Sunday (AEDT).

NSW, seeking their first win in 11 years against the Bulls in South Africa, scored three tries to two and led 19-15 into the final quarter, only for the home team to score 15 unanswered points.

Bulls sharps-hooting five-eighth Morne Steyn landed seven of his nine shots at goal and scored a try in the final minute for a 25-point haul.

Conversely, Waratahs half Brendan McKibbin potted just two from five.

The Waratahs suffered their eighth straight loss to the South African side and remain outside the top six, while the Bulls lead the South African conference.

“Poor discipline hurt us in our first half and it was hard to come back,” NSW skipper and flanker Dave Dennis said.

Discipline apart, NSW also fell down in the lineouts, losing several of their own throws.

Steyn kicked three penalties to put the Bulls 9-0 ahead before fullback Israel Folau marked his first rugby game in South Africa with a super try.

Folau showed his considerable class when he evaded attempted tackles from winger Akona Ndungane and fullback Jurgen Visser.

McKibbin missed the conversion and Steyn banged over another penalty to give the Bulls a 12-5 halftime advantage.

The Waratahs drew level when McKibbin converted after prop Paddy Ryan galloped 20 metres for a try following a break from openside flanker Michael Hooper

McKibbin missed a penalty but Steyn landed another to put the home team ahead.

The Waratahs shot to a four-point lead with a converted try to five-eighth Bernard Foley following a break from Folau and some great support play.

However, less than five minutes later, Foley knocked on inside his own 22 and a few phases later replacement Francois Hougaard dived over for a try.

Steyn converted and added a penalty and try as the Bulls dominated the final minutes.