They were labelled a 'B-team' in the week, but coach Jake White was immensely proud of his Bulls side that landed a thrilling 42-36 win over France's Lyon in their European Champions Cup opener at Loftus on Saturday.
The Bulls are now off to Exeter for their second clash of the competition next weekend, where a far sterner test is expected as the first-team regulars are likely to return.
With a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the defending champion Stormers set for Friday, 23 December - the following weekend - also on the cards, White tested the depth of the Bulls for this clash against last year's European Challenge Cup winners.
It appeared a gamble of sorts on the surface, but considering the demands of the fixture list and all the travelling the Bulls will be doing over the next few weeks, it now looks to have been a masterstroke.