The Northern Bulls were forced to return to a traditional forward game as they ground out a 19-18 win over the Wellington Hurricanes in a Super 14 southern hemisphere match at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

The Bulls stayed on top of the table with their fifth successive win but for the first time in the season they were unable to add a bonus point for scoring four tries.

The Bulls were only able to score one try and needed the boot of flyhalf Morne Steyn, who kicked four penalty goals and a conversion, to keep their winning record.