Five key takeaways from the Bulls, Lions, and Sharks' thrilling URC weekend

SOUTH African teams left a clear imprint on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this weekend, with wins on the road, a statement derby result, and valuable points banked in difficult European conditions. Here are five key takeaways from the Bulls, Lions and Sharks fixtures.

1. The Bulls found answers after early pressure

The Bulls’ 19-17 win over Edinburgh was built on their ability to absorb pressure early and adjust as the match unfolded. After conceding three first-half tries and trailing 17-5 at the break, they tightened their approach and relied on set-piece efficiency to claw their way back.

Two of their three tries came from line-out mauls, first through Marcell Coetzee and later Johan Grobbelaar, before Marco van Staden crossed for the decisive score in the second half. Handre Pollard’s two conversions ultimately proved the difference.

Defensively, the Bulls were forced to scramble for long periods, but they limited Edinburgh to no further points after the 39th minute. The result completed a productive two-week tour that also included a Challenge Cup win against Pau and lifted the Bulls from 11th to eighth on the URC table.

2. Margins and moments decided tight contests

Both the Bulls and Lions matches were settled by fine margins in difficult weather conditions. In Edinburgh, Van Staden’s try initially appeared to be held up before referee Gianluca Gnecci consulted the television match official and awarded the score.

In Swansea, the Lions were involved in a dramatic finish as Ospreys flyhalf Dan Edwards missed a late penalty and then pushed a drop-goal attempt wide after time had expired. At the other end, Angelo Davids won a foot race from a kick ahead but knocked on while attempting to ground the ball.

In both matches, single moments had the potential to swing the result, underlining how small details shaped outcomes across the weekend.

3. The Lions showed adaptability in extreme conditions

The Lions’ 24-all draw against Ospreys was played in driving rain and strong wind, conditions that limited expansive rugby. Despite enjoying just 34% attacking possession, the Johannesburg side remained competitive through defensive effort and tactical adjustment.

They scored four tries, including two from captain Francke Horn, and secured a try-scoring bonus point alongside the draw. After trailing 19-5 late in the first half, the Lions clawed their way back to 19-12 at the break and briefly led 24-19 in the second half following Quan Horn’s bonus-point try.

The result followed last week’s 20-all draw in Perpignan and lifted the Lions to seventh on the URC log with 24 points.

4. Forward dominance was decisive in Cape Town

The Sharks’ 30-19 win over the Stormers at a sold-out DHL Stadium was built on set-piece control and forward power. From the opening minutes, the visitors capitalised on Stormers errors, scoring through Jason Jenkins from a driving maul after seven minutes.

Maul pressure remained a theme throughout the match. After halftime, with the Stormers struggling for accuracy and replacement lock Salmaan Moerat in the sin bin, the Sharks struck again through Phepsi Buthelezi, once more from close range.

The Sharks added a fourth try through André Esterhuizen late on to secure a bonus point, completing their first URC win over the Stormers in Cape Town and handing the hosts their first defeat of the season.

5. Home pressure and execution came under scrutiny

For the Stormers, the defeat raised questions around execution at home, particularly at set-piece time. Lineout issues and an ineffective maul undermined several attacking opportunities despite repeated entries into the Sharks’ 22.

Before the match, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson acknowledged the challenge, saying: “Maybe we feel too much pressure (to entertain) when we play at home”.

That pressure was evident as the error count increased after halftime, allowing the Sharks to maintain control and pull clear. The two sides will meet again next week in Durban, where the Stormers will have an immediate chance to respond.