A late comeback by the Crusaders was not enough to deny the Bulls a 32-30 win in a thrilling Super Rugby clash this morning in Pretoria.

The Bulls led 32-16 with eight minutes left to play, but the never say die Crusaders refused to give up and in the end were denied by a knock on as they went in search of the decisive score.

The Crusaders outscored the Bulls by three tries to two and led 13-9 at half time but their discipline let them down in the second half and was punished by Morne Steyn who ended the match with six penalties.

In other matches the Highlanders lost 21-6 to the unbeaten Stormers while the Cheetahs continued their brilliant form with a 26-5 win over the Lions.