Updated URC log after good weekend for SA sides

The Bulls made a big statement during a satisfying weekend for SA sides in the URC, and here is how the log now looks.

Bulls star David Kriel. Image: SA Rugby website

The URC returned with an action-packed full round of fixtures this past weekend, with three of the four SA sides – the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers – coming away with victories to boost their log standing and playoff hopes.

Meanwhile, the Lions at least managed to secure a losing bonus point away from home to remain within striking range of the top eight.

However it was really the Bulls who will be most pleased as they showed plenty of fighting spirit to claim a last-gasp win over previously undefeated Leinster at Loftus.

These results saw the Bulls hold onto third place on the table with 45 points (13 behind Leinster and trailing the second-placed Glasgow Warriors by four points), while the Sharks are only one point behind in fourth place with 44 points.

The Stormers leaped into eighth place with 33 points – tied with the seventh placed Ospreys and only two points behind the fifth placed Cardiff – while the Lions dropped down to 13^th position with 30 points with five pool rounds remaining.

HERE IS HOW THE LATEST URC LOG LOOKS

Results reminders

Stormers earn satisfying win in Wales

The Stormers held on for a satisfying bonus-point 29-17 win against the Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday to power their way into the top eight on the URC standings and stay in the Race to the Eight.

Bulls overcome determined Leinster

A penalty goal by David Kriel after the regular 80 minutes of play with his team down to 14 players saw the Bulls earn their ninth victory in the URC and hand Leinster their first defeat of the season in a thrilling encounter at Loftus Versfeld.

Late try sees Sharks pip Zebre in Durban

The Sharks were forced to dig deep in their URC match against Zebre Parma at Kings Park on Saturday with a try in the 74^th minute by Ethan Hooker and a successful conversion by Jordan Hendrikse snatching them a vital 35-34 bonus point victory.

Lions go down fighting in Cardiff

The Lions went down fighting against Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday in a thrilling URC clash, which the hosts won by a narrow 20-17 margin after holding a 10-7 lead at the break.