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Wellington - The Bulls have maintained their perfect Super 14 record this year courtesy of Morne Steyn's 14 points and a puzzling performance from referee Matt Goddard on Friday.
Steyn kicked four penalties and converted JP Nel's try to give the Bulls a 19-14 victory at Westpac Stadium, but the five yellow cards and one red doled out by Goddard dominated the match.
"It was very frustrating to have so many penalties, especially when we got try-scoring opportunities," Hurricanes captain Rodney So'oialo said in a televised interview.
"I think the ref has to go and have a look at how he refereed the game tonight."
Australian Goddard issued three yellow cards in the first half before Bulls flank Deon Stegmann received a second yellow for a dangerous tackle on All Blacks centre Conrad Smith and was sent off in the 49th minute.
Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton was then immediately sinbinned by Goddard to leave the hosts with 13 men as Scott Waldrom was still cooling his heels for a ruck infringement in the first minute of the second half.
The Bulls used Goddard's decision-making to play percentage rugby, kicking for territory and capitalising on the Hurricanes' mistakes inside their own half.
The Hurricanes scored tried through fullback Tamati Ellison and lock Jason Eaton while flyhalf Piri Weepu kicked two conversions.
