Shaun Goosen reviews the weekend that was as the URC made its return after a three-week hiatus.
With all of the Europan sides shorn of their leading Test internationals, all eyes were on the two South African URC derbies with the Hollywoodbets Sharks facing the Stormers in Durban and the Lions and Bulls facing off at Emirates Airlines Park.
Second-half turnaround powers Bulls to victory
The Lions were thwarted by the Bulls for the second time this season at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday, with Jake White’s men now sitting pretty in third following Leinster’s big win over Benetton on the same day. Trailing 3-5 at the break, the Pride just couldn’t withstand the Bulls’ power play, ultimately succumbing to finish the weekend in 11th place.
Canan Moodie’s first-half try was what put the visitors in front at the break, while further touchdowns by Akker van der Merwe, Marcell Coetzee and David Kriel earned them their bonus point. For the Lions, a Quan Horn converted score was all that could be mustered in the second half.
HT | 🦁 LIO 3-5 BUL 🐂
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 17, 2024
Embrose Papier with some brilliant play as he sets Moodie on his way 🔥
📺 Stream #LIOvBUL live: https://t.co/bDeiretgWP#OriginRound pic.twitter.com/VIEUzGPBdQ
Improving Sharks fall short in Durban
Although the Hollywoodbets Sharks produced a much-improved second-half display, it wasn’t enough to prevent the Stormers from claiming their fourth win out of four against local opposition this season. John Dobson’s men top the SA Shield and sit sixth overall, while the Sharks remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
The Capetonians dominated the opening exchanges, leading 15-7 at the break thanks to scores from Joe Dweba and Paul de Wet. Although the hosts hit back, winning the second half 14-10, the 2022 champions held on to capture yet another SA scalp.
HT | 🦈 SHA 7-15 STO ⛈
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 17, 2024
Warrick Gelant shows exactly why the DHL Stormers wanted to bring him back to Cape Town 🤩
📺 Stream #SHAvSTO live: https://t.co/bDeiretgWP#OriginRound pic.twitter.com/x5mRFXvN5S
Leinster see off Benetton to consolidate top spot
URC Leaders Leinster outplayed Benetton 47-18 in Dublin in a result that saw the Italian outfit drop from second to fourth on the overall table. Elsewhere, Edinburgh won 24-19 at Zebre, Munster dismantled Scarlets 42-7 in Llanelli, Connacht edged Cardiff 16-12 at the Arms Park, Glasgow Warriors moved to second after brushing Dragons aside 40-7 at Rodney Parade and Ospreys claimed a 19-17 win over Ulster in Swansea.
𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝐎𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐬 1️⃣9️⃣-1️⃣7️⃣𝐔𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 18, 2024
Ospreys down Ulster to move to seventh in the Vodacom #URC standings ✅
Kieran Williams with brilliant try for the Welsh outfit 🏉 pic.twitter.com/doyG1XvVc0
