A last minute try by Springbok centre Adrian Jacobs saved the Bulls from an embarrassing defeat in their pre-season warm-up game against the Renegades at Olympia Park in Rustenburg on Wednesday.

The Bulls entered the final quarter 20-10 down after fluffing a plethora of chances in a rain-soaked first half.

As if it was not enough to be staring defeat in the eyes, they also lost Boks flanker Danie Rossouw, who was red-carded shortly before the end of the game.

He received the yellow-card for a blatant late shoulder charge on Renegades' centre Rudy Coetzee, and then while walking to the sidelines got involved in a punch-up with opposition flanker Pierre Uys.

This left referee Andre Watson with no choice but to turn the yellow into red.

It took two late touches of brilliance to save the Bulls from defeat. First scrumhalf Hakkies Husselman broke around the scrum and darted 20 metres for the line.

Renegades flyhalf Nel Fourie extended the lead again to 23-17 with another penalty before Jacobs (pictured) cut his way through the midfield to score the winning try.

For the Bulls fullback Leon van den Heever, hooker James Dalton, centre JP Nel and lock Victor Matfield all played staring roles.

For the Renegades, the loose forward combination of Uys and Lodewyk Hattingh were superb, while midfielder Coetzee was the best of the backs.

The Renegades will meet the Stormers in George on Saturday, while the Bulls next game will also be against the Stormers at Loftus on February 8.

Scores:

Bulls - Tries: Boeta Wessels, Hakkies Husselman, Adrian Jacobs; Conversions: Wessels, Leon van den Heever (2); Penalty: Wessels.

Renegades - Tries: Vion Wuim, Rudy Coetzee; Conversion: Nel Fourie; Penalties: Fourie (3). - Sapa