Mixed fortunes for SA franchises as Stormers stumble at home

The Stormers’ unbeaten run and flawless home record in the  United Rugby Championship came to a grinding halt on Saturday. The Sharks stunned the Capetonians with a clinical display, while the Bulls secured a vital away win in Scotland, and the Lions settled for a draw in Wales during a bittersweet weekend for South African sides.

SHARKS TOPPLE THE LEADERS

In the weekend's biggest upset, a determined Sharks outfit outplayed the Stormers 30–19 in Cape Town. The visitors turned on the style to record a crucial bonus-point victory, ending the home side's long-standing dominance at DHL Stadium.

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The defeat saw the Stormers drop to second place on the standings for the first time this season. They remain on 36 points, trailing the Glasgow Warriors (39 points), though the Cape side notably holds a game in hand.

SUCCESS IN SCOTLAND, STALEMATE IN WALES

On Friday night, the Bulls showed immense character in Edinburgh. A late try secured a rewarding 19–17 victory, catapulting them to ninth place on the log with 20 points—just outside the playoff positions.

The Lions, meanwhile, will be feeling gutted after a missed opportunity on the stroke of full-time against the Ospreys. The 24–24 draw in Wales was enough to keep them in seventh position with 24 points, though they will rue the chance to have taken all five points.