Leo Cullen admitted that Leinster were beaten by a more "clinical" Bulls team as the defending URC champions suffered their second loss in a row.
It's the first time that Leinster have lost consecutive games at the start of their season since 2003.
They secured a try-bonus from the 39-31 defeat at Loftus Versfeld but missed out on a losing bonus, with Sam Prendergast off target with two late kicks at goal.
Added to last weekend’s humbling 35-0 loss to Stormers, it’s a disappointing return from their trip to South Africa for the holders, who beat the Pretoria side in last season’s final.
"Credit to the Bulls, they were more clinical probably in some of the opportunities that they took than we did," Cullen, quoted in the Irish Examiner, said.
"They deserved to win and we'll move on, lick our wounds."
The hosts led 22-10 at half-time but Leinster edge in front thank to two tries at the start of the second half.
It was a real ding-dong battle throughout with Johan Ackermann’s side finishing off stronger.
Centre David Kriel wrapped up the try-scoring with the Bulls’ sixth five-pointer after intercepting Prendergast’s pass.
Cullen (above) added: "It's unbelievably tough place to come here, as we know. But frustrated, yeah, it sort of feels like one that got away.
"[We] had some chances and we had like a losing bonus point where we're going for the win and giving that up as well just felt a bit of a kick in the teeth at the end.
"But, overall, there’s a much better, improved performance on last week but a long way to come for one point, but it is a point and we'll move on.
"There was plenty of good stuff in the game.
"Just need to keep at it now. It's a tough challenge.
"We knew coming away here, first off, a lot of guys haven't played any games in pre-season. But it is what it is. We're up and running now.
"You see someone like a Tom Clarkson coming in for his first game. So, with a few other guys, the Lions crew, coming back, it's a mix over the next few weeks."
Asked about Prendergast’s call from try a long-range dropgoal that had the distance but not the accuracy, Cullen said: "I thought it was a good decision at the time.
"There was still time o the clock as well after that.
"So, yeah, there were so many different moments in the game there that we were very, very close to nailing.
"I thought Sam was excellent and lots of good stuff in the game.
"But he's a young man. He's learning on the go.
"[It’s a] tough challenge, tough environment over here to play in. But he’ll be better for it, like all our young guys."
Leinster return home to host the Sharks next weekend before a round-four clash with Munster, who won their opening two games, at Croke Park on 18 October.
The 2024 Challenge Cup winners began their campaign with a loss to Glasgow and a draw with Ospreys on Friday night.
"Sharks, obviously, are already two games into their tour," he said.
"I'm sure they'll get maybe potentially a few of their Springbok guys back as well.
"We've got to travel back, so we'll have a short week in terms of prep-wise.
"But it's a great challenge, isn't it. That's the amazing part about this competition."
