Stormers maintain unbeaten run; Bulls and Lions cement top 8 spots

The first block of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) has concluded with three South African teams - the DHL Stormers, the Vodacom Bulls, and the Lions - firmly positioned in the top eight on the log.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks finally secured their first victory of the season before the competition breaks for the November international window.

STORMERS LEAD THE WAY

The Capetonians remain at the top of the standings after a hard-fought 31-16 victory over Benetton in Italy on Saturday. Flyhalf Jurie Matthee was instrumental in the win, scoring 21 points for the visitors. The DHL Stormers and reigning champions Munster are now the only two unbeaten teams remaining in the competition. Both teams sit on 23 points, with the Stormers securing the number one spot courtesy of a superior points difference.

LIONS ROAR INTO TOP HALF

Jozi’s Pride delivered a spectacular performance, dealing Ulster their first defeat of the season. The Lions scored seven tries at Ellis Park on their way to a comprehensive 49-31 victory. This bonus-point win has seen the team move into the top half of the standings, currently sitting eighth with 11 points.

BULLS FALL SHORT, REMAIN IN TOP 8

The Vodacom Bulls faced a tough clash against the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, where the hosts won 21-12 following a strong finish. Despite the defeat, the men from Pretoria remain comfortably in the top eight, holding sixth place on the log with 14 points.

SHARKS SECURE FIRST WIN

Earlier on Saturday, the Hollywoodbets Sharks finally broke their season duck by beating the Scarlets 29-19 in Durban. Although the team may not have been firing on all cylinders, fans would have been relieved to see the KwaZulu-Natalians register their first points. The victory has moved the Sharks up one spot on the log to 13th place, with eight points.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Vodacom URC will resume on the final weekend of November. Key fixtures will see an all-South African derby between the Vodacom Bulls and the Lions in Pretoria. The DHL Stormers will face their biggest test yet as they take on Munster, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks will travel to Ireland to face Connacht.