The Bulls held off a late Lions charge to win 30-23 on Saturday and end their recent home slump in Super Rugby.

The defending champions outscored the Lions three tries to two but had to ride late scores from the visitors before sealing a first win in three games at Loftus Versfeld.

Hooker Gary Botha had thought he'd ended the Lions' resistance with his 62nd-minute try, but winger Deon van Rensburg took a quick tap to sneak in to close the gap to 23-16 with six minutes left.

Bjorn Basson replied immediately for the Bulls but captain Franco van der Merwe charged over with three minutes to go to again put the Lions within seven points and set up a frantic finish.

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