Check out our wrap of the weekend’s URC and Gallagher Premiership rugby action ahead of the first European window of the season, as well as the latest from the return of the HSBC SVNS circuit that saw the Blitzboks bag their fifth consecutive Dubai title.
Dubai Sevens: Blitzboks reign supreme in the desert
The Blitzboks beat Argentina 12-7 in Dubai on Sunday to claim their fifth successive title, and 10th overall, in the UAE. Tries to Impi Visser and Shilton van Wyk were enough for the men in green and gold, who saw off Australia and Fiji in the Cup knockouts on their way to outplaying the South Americans. With the Cape Town Sevens set to get underway this weekend, the side couldn’t have asked for a better opening tournament.
New Zealand dispatched of Fiji 17-12 in the bronze medal match.
In the women’s results, South Africa finished 10th after succumbing to Japan in the ninth-placed final while Australia beat New Zealand 26-19 in the final. France’s 26-5 defeat of Canada earned them bronze.
Does this look familiar to you?
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) December 3, 2023
Congratulations to all involved. Well played #Blitzboks. Now come and support them in Cape Town next weekend! @WeBuyCars_SA @McDonalds_SA #PoweredByUnity pic.twitter.com/ccfcz56JCA
URC R7: Bulls, Lions and Stormers win big
The Bulls dismantled the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, running in six tries on their way to a comprehensive 44-10 victory. The result sees Jake White’s side remain in third and just four points off leaders Leinster as they prepare for an almighty showdown with Saracens in the first round of the Champions Cup. For the Durbanites, this marks the latest in a series of setbacks that places them 15th with just a solitary win to their name.
In Johannesburg, the 14-man Lions breezed past Dragons 49-24. Despite Ruben Schoeman’s first-half red card, the hosts were far too good for the Welsh club, while in Cape Town the Stormers put their miserable overseas tour behind them in emphatic fashion, beating Zebre 31-7.
In other results, Munster held off Glasgow Warriors 40-29 at Thomond Park, Scarlets claimed a 29-23 win in Cardiff, Edinburgh shocked Ulster 27-24 in Belfast, Leinster pipped Connacht 24-22 in Galway and Benetton won 18-13 over Ospreys at the Stadio Comunale.
👏 Edwill van der Merwe is always on a vibe! #URC pic.twitter.com/mjQ8EBHLBa
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) December 4, 2023
Gallagher Prem R8: Top two thwarted in topsy-turvy round
On Friday, leaders Sale Sharks were humbled 3-36 at The Stoop by a Harlequins outfit that will look to use this latest result as a springboard for what has otherwise been an inconsistent campaign so far. The hosts are now third with Sale still top albeit on points difference following Bath’s 41-24 home win over Exeter Chiefs.
At the StoneX on Saturday, an inspired performance from Northampton Saints powered them to an unlikely 18-12 victory against Owen Farrell-less Saracens that sees them go fifth, level on points with Mark McCall’s side (fourth).
Elsewhere, Bristol beat Gloucester 51-26 at Ashton Gate and Newcastle’s rotten season continued on Sunday when in-form Leicester thumped them 47-3 at Welford Road.
Brilliant from Alex Mitchell ⚡️
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) December 2, 2023
A superb @SaintsRugby score to extend their lead 😇
Watch live on @rugbyontnt 📺#GallagherPrem | #SARvNOR pic.twitter.com/5CvdpVuovs
