In a first half dominated by the hosts, two tries to centre JP Nel set up last year's defeated semi-finalists with a convincing 17-9 halftime lead.

However, in stark contrast to the opening 40 minutes, it was the Force who came out fighting after the interval as the Bulls, initially a man down after flanker Anton Leonard was yellow-carded for a ruck infringement, appeared lethargic.

In a seesaw like contest, three tries to the Force in the second half in response to the Bulls' solitary five-pointer ensured victory for last year's wooden-spooners.

Western Force 30
Tries: Shepherd 2, Hardy
Conversions: Shepherd 3
Penalties: Shepherd 3

Bulls 27
Tries: Nel 2, Leonard
Conversions: Steyn 3
Penalties: Steyn 2

Sportal