PERTH - The Western Force improved enormously but it wasn't quite enough to avoid a 36-26 loss to the powerful Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The Force lost narrowly to the Melbourne Rebels to start the Super Rugby season and then put in a poor performance to hand rookie side the Southern Kings victory in Port Elizabeth, but it was a vastly different team on Saturday night.
Coach Michael Foley brought experienced South African fly-half Sias Ebersohn into the line-up and he went on to kick two field goals, two penalties and two try conversions.
The Force seriously threatened the Bulls when leading 26-19 after a Toby Lynn try early in the second half, but the home side went on to score 17 straight points.