The Blues finally delivered to their potential and lead almost from start to finish to complete a shock 29-23 Super Rugby triumph over the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Blues were tipped in the pre-season to be one of the main contenders in this year's Super Rugby competition, but stuttered to opening defeats against the Crusaders and Highlanders.

However, the Blues pack stood up for the first time this season against a physical Bulls outfit at Loftus Versfeld, with some quality work done up front and brave defending when the home side surged forward.

The Bulls went off the boil following their impressive victories over the Sharks and Cheetahs, and some wayward kicking at goal from the usually dependable Morne Steyn summed up their bad day at the office.

There was valiant attempt for the Bulls to launch a fightback, but it was too little too late.

More to follow...

Scorers:

For Bulls:
Tries: Anscombe 2
Cons: Anscombe 2
Pens: Anscombe 5

For Blues:
Tries: Spies, Basson 2
Con: Steyn
Pens: Steyn 2

Yellow card: (Rene Ranger - 79th minute, shoulder charge)

Teams:

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.

Blues: 15 Lachie Munro, 14 Sherwin Stowers, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Bradley Mika, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Hadleigh Parkes, 22 David Raikuna.

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Pro Legoete (South Africa), Stefan Breytenbach (South Africa)
TMO: Gerrie Coetzee (South Africa)