It was a case of close, but no cigar for the South Western District Eagles as the Blue Bulls rallied to a nail-biting 28-24 victory in their opening Bankfin Currie Cup match at Outeniqua Park in George on Saturday.

Eric Sauls' Eagles started like a house on fire and at halftime enjoyed a 13-0 lead. The Bulls went to George as overwhelming favourites after their excellent performances in the Vodacom Cup.

It was, however, the home side that played like a team possessed and had the much-fancied Bulls on the back foot for most of the game. Eagles scrumhalf Noel Oelschig had a chance to win the game for his side with a penalty in injury time, but he failed and the Bulls left the field a very relieved side.

The Bulls had most of the possession and also dominated territory in the first 40 minutes, but had nothing to show on the scoreboard at halftime. They played positive rugby, but their finishing seemed to have deserted them. The Eagles, on the other hand, took the few chances going their way to telling effect.

Oelschig converted a penalty in the sixth minute to open the scoring before flank Riaan Thomas scored a great try after breaking through the defence on a barnstorming run. Oelschig converted and fullback Bevan Fortuin nonchalantly slotted a drop goal to hand their team a 13-0 lead at halftime.

Immediately after the break Oelschig extended his team's lead with another penalty, but that was the cue for a Bulls comeback. Lightning-quick left winger Keegan Fredericks crossed the line for his first Currie Cup try in the 44th minute.

The Eagles, however, struck back with another penalty from Oelschig, but a try by former Eagles flank Johan Wasserman in the 55th minute - converted by Casper Steyn - brought Heyneke Meyer's side within four points of the lead.

New Bulls captain and No 8 Chris le Roux's try in the 69th minute, converted by Steyn, handed the Bulls the lead for the first time and when Steyn slotted another penalty, the Bulls seemed to have secured the win.

The Eagles were not content to take it lying down, though, and hooker Patrick Bell scored a five-pointer in injury time. Oelschig turned villain when he couldn't slot an easy conversion attempt for the win. Steyn succeeded with a final penalty to ensure the visitors a hard-fought win.

Scorers:

Eagles - Tries: Riaan Thomas, Patrick Bell; Conversion: Noel Oelschig; Penalties: Oelschig (3); Drop goal: Bevon Fortuin.

Blue Bulls - Tries: Keegan Fredricks, Johan Wassermann, Chris le Roux; Conversions: Casper Steyn (2); Penalties: Steyn (3).