Shaun Goosen looks back at a thrilling weekend of URC rugby which saw Leinster shocked by Cardiff, a thrilling draw down in Durban and a brilliant performance by the Bulls.
Spoils shared at Kings Park
The Sharks and Stormers played out to a 22-all draw in Durban on Saturday after Aphelele Fassi conceded a last-minute penalty try. The men from Durban had dominated much of the encounter and should have put the game to bed, but their inability to take their chances cost them.
Man of the Match Ox Nche was outstanding at scrum time, continuing his evolution as world-class loosehead. But it was not to be for the hosts after the Stormers were rewarded in their final attack of the match as Fassi, who had had a standout game otherwise, cynically knocked down the ball to prevent the Capetonians from scoring.
The result means the Durbanites (16-points) occupy 10th while John Dobson’s charges sit two points back in 12th.
Bulls bully Lions
The Bulls bounced back from some uncharacteristic results to record a 34-10 win over the Lions in Johannesburg. The physical might of Jake White’s men provided them with a healthy platform throughout the contest, as they crossed the whitewash four times to collect a bonus-point and earn just a second win of the campaign.
The home side had a few men go off injured, including talismanic skipper Burger Odendaal and Willem “the Bone Collector” Alberts, which didn’t help their cause as they slumped to a fifth loss from seven.
Both teams are now level on points (12) on the standings, with the Bulls in 13th and the Lions one place back.
Leinster toppled in Welsh capital
In the result of the round, Cardiff upset Leinster 29-27 at Cardiff Arms Park to deal Leo Cullen’s men with just a second loss of the season. Leinster are now fourth, four points off leaders Edinburgh albeit with a game in hand.
The hosts moved up to ninth on 18-points. Elsewhere, Benetton and the Dragons drew 13-all at Rodney Parade, Ulster beat Scarlets 27-15 in Belfast, visitors Glasgow won 42-20 at Connacht, Munster beat Zebre 34-17 in Parma and the Ospreys saw off Edinburgh 23-19 at home.
