Bulls hold off late Lyon surge to earn Champions Cup win

The Bulls were left clinging on for victory as they survived a Lyon fightback to begin their maiden Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a thrilling 42-36 win in Pretoria.

Jake White's men were 28-0 up by the 25th minute, with Sibongile Novuka, Bernard van der Linde (two) and Nizaam Carr going over and Morne Steyn converting all four tries.

However, last season's Challenge Cup winners came roaring back to trail 35-29 and then 42-36, which proved to be the final score.

Arno Botha crossed twice for the French club, while Liam Coltman, Ethan Dumortier and Kyle Godwin also touched down, with Leo Berdeu kicking 11 points.

Tries from Stravino Jacobs and Chris Smith had helped keep the Bulls' noses in front and ultimately proved enough to earn the United Rugby Championship outfit a winning start, despite some intense late pressure from Lyon.