In a profitable weekend of Vodacom United Rugby Championship action, the Emirates Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers all secured crucial victories on Saturday, marking a pretty successful weekend for South African franchises.
In a profitable weekend of Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) action, the Emirates Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers all secured crucial victories on Saturday, marking a pretty successful weekend for South African franchises.
However, a South African clean sweep was narrowly missed when the Vodacom Bulls suffered a narrow 23-22 defeat against the Scarlets on Friday evening in Llanelli, where a late red card and missed opportunities proved costly.
Bulls stumble
The Bulls began their clash against the Scarlets in perfect fashion, with Canan Moodie scoring a try in the first minute. Despite building a 19-10 halftime lead through additional tries by Zak Burger and Kurt-Lee Arendse, the Bulls were undone by a second-half surge from the Welsh side.
Johan Grobbelaar’s 65th-minute red card for a dangerous tackle shifted momentum to the Scarlets, who capitalised with a late try, securing that 23-22 win. Missed scoring chances, and Grobbelaar’s dismissal from the contest ultimately saw the Pretoria side suffer their first defeat of the season.
Lions continue to roar
The Lions, meanwhile, continued their unbeaten streak, grinding out a 10-9 win over Zebre Parma in wet and muddy conditions in Parma. Edwill van der Merwe’s try in the 27th minute, coupled with Sanele Nohamba’s penalty goal, were enough to hold off a spirited Zebre side.
With rain soaking the pitch, scoring opportunities were scarce, and both teams struggled to build momentum. Zebre came close several times in the final quarter, but a strong defensive effort from the Lions kept them at bay, ensuring the Johannesburg side remains the only South African team without a loss this season.
Two teams remain, but not for long ⏳@leinsterrugby v @LionsRugbyCo in Round 6 is going to be juicy!#BKTURC #URC pic.twitter.com/C4nOg1RRXd
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 21, 2024
Sharks give defending champs a kick
Over in Durban, the Sharks, buoyed by returning Springboks, secured a much-needed 28-24 victory over defending champions Glasgow Warriors. Despite being outscored four tries to three, a solid kicking display by Jordan Hendrikse and a try from Grant Williams sealed the Sharks’ first home win of the season.
Glasgow mounted a late comeback with two tries in the final minutes, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the Sharks’ lead. The Durban-based side took advantage of a yellow card to Glasgow in the 65th minute, extending their lead with a penalty and a try that proved decisive.
Stormers finally beat the Irish
In Cape Town, the Stormers fought to the final whistle to secure a 34-19 bonus-point win over Munster, marking their first victory over the Irish side in five attempts. The match was tightly contested, with the Stormers holding a slender 14-12 halftime lead thanks to tries by Suleiman Hartzenberg and Marcel Theunissen.
Ruhan Nel’s brace in the second half, along with Damian Willemse’s exceptional kicking performance, ensured the Stormers’ victory. Nel’s final try in the 82nd minute sealed the crucial bonus point, propelling the Cape Town side up the URC standings.
How the leaderboard is shaping up after Round 5 👀
Where on the ladder is your team? 🏉#BKTURC #URC pic.twitter.com/vlEWk3akK0
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 21, 2024
With these results, the Lions and Bulls remain in the top four on the URC log, while the Stormers and Sharks have climbed to 12th and 13th places, respectively, after securing their first home wins of the season.
This Super Saturday of South African victories showcases the resilience and competitiveness of the local franchises, with the season heating up as teams look to climb the table.
